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RULES OF DISCIPLINE 

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OF THE 



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YEARLY-MEETING, 



ON RHODE-ISLAND, 



FOR 



NEW-ENGLAND. 



PRINTED BY DIRECTION OP THE MEETING. 



NEW-BEDFORD : 

ABRAHAM SHEARMAN, JUN., PRINTER. 
1809. 

Re-printed by direction of the Meeting, 1826. B. Linduey & Co. Printers. 
Re-printed by direction of the Meettng, 1840. Knowles & Vose, Printers, Providence 
He-printed by direction of the Meeting, 1849. Joseph Knowles, Printer, Providence. 



INTRODUCTION 



Since the printing of the Book of Discipline, about 
twenty-four years have elapsed, during which period 
the new regulations which have taken place have 
rendered it an imperfect collection of the rules of 
the Society, and the Book being out of print, the 
Yearly-Meeting committed the revisal of our Disci- 
pline to the Meeting for Sufferings, in 1807, who 
having with care and diligence completed, and laid 
the same before the Yearly -Meeting, in the sixth 
month, 1809; they adopted the following as the 
Discipline of the Society, and directed the same to 
be printed, in order, 

1st. That every quarterly and monthly-meeting 
may be furnished with a fair and correct collection 
of the minutes and advices which have been agreed 
to, for regulating the affairs of the Society. 

2dly. " That these minutes and advices being 
more generally received, may be more uniformly 
observed and put in practice, that order, unity, 
peace and harmony, may be preserved throughout 
the churches." 

3dly. " That in an especial manner the youth 
of the present and succeeding generations may 



iv INTRODUCTION. 

not only be early and more fully instructed in our 
religious principles, but in the nature and design 
of our Christian discipline ; and through divine 
assistance be enabled to adorn our holy profession, 
by a consistent conduct and circumspect conver- 
sation in all godliness and honesty, thereby avoid- 
ing the reproach which some, through a defection 
in principle, or a degeneracy in practice, have 
brought upon themselves, and the body of which 
they profess to be members." 

4thly. " That the unfaithful, the immoral, and 
the libertine professors, may be seasonably remind- 
ed of their danger and of their duty, as well as of 
the great labor, which, in much gospel love, hath 
been from time to time bestowed for their help and 
recovery ; and that such as continue to despise and 
reject the convictions of truth, and the counsel of 
their brethren, and refuse to be reclaimed, may 
be made sensible that they themselves are the cause 
of their separation from our religious fellowship 
and communion.'" 

And in order that these purposes may be more 
fully answered, the following rules and regulations 
are, on due consideration, recommended to the ob- 
servance of friends, overseers and meetings. And 
in the exercise of which, care, persuasion and gen- 
tle dealing, ought to be our practice, laboring in 
love and meekness, to bring such as transgress to 
a sense of their error. But if any cannot be re- 
claimed, by our Christian endeavors, the extent of 
our judgment and procedure is, the disowning such 
to be of our communion. And as this authority 
and practice is Christian, so it is laudable and rea- 



INTRODUCTION v 

sonable in society ; and as it is attended to, in up- 
rightness and singleness of heart, will tend to pro- 
mote the good and welfare of the Church, and to 
unite in a care and concern for the oversight one of 
another, that all may endeavor to walk decently, 
humbly, and honestly, and be of one mind, as be- 
comes the servants and followers of our Holy Lord 
and Law-Giver, and to practice that commendable 
order, ever necessary in the Christian Church, agree- 
able to that injunction of our blessed Lord, Matt, 
xviii. 15, 16, 17. "Moreover, if thy brother shall 
trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault be- 
tween thee and him alone ; if he shall hear thee, thou 
has gained thy brother : but if he will not hear thee, 
then take with thee one or two more, that in the 
mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may 
be established ; and if he shall neglect to hear them, 
tell it unto the church ; but if he neglect to hear the 
church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man, 
and a publican.' 5 

Also the expressions of that eminent apostle, 
Paul, in his epistle to the Phillippians, iv. 8. " Fi- 
nally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, what- 
soever things are honest, whatsoever things are 
just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things 
are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, 
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, 
think on these things." Now whatsoever appears 
in any contrary to these, may in general be said to 
come under the notice of friends, overseers and 
meetings. 

And as it has been experienced, that in those 
meetings great comfort and satisfaction have been 



vi INTRODUCTION. 

received and enjoyed, when the members have at- 
tended them in awe, humility, and love, with no 
other view than the honor of God, and the help 
and assistance one of another, this meeting doth, 
in brotherly love, exhort all friends carefully to 
gather in uprightness and singleness of heart, suita- 
ble to our calling, and the dignity of that Power 
which will preside and govern in all our meetings, 
as we meekly abide under its holy influence. This 
will divest us of partiality and stiffness of opinion, 
and all high thoughts of ourselves, and lead into pa- 
tience and condescension, according to that declara- 
tion of our blessed Lord, " He that is greatest 
among you, shall be your servant." 



It is to be observed, that the dates at the end of the minutes 
and advices, denote the years in which they were issued by the 
yearly-meeting from whence they were taken. 

The book is printed with blank leaves, for the purpose of mak- 
ing future additions, which are to be inserted in the manner which 
maybe directed by the yearly-meeting. No other additions are 
to be made, 



INDEX. 



Accounts, to be frequently settled, pages 122, 146. 

Acknowledgments, how to be received, 99. 

Administrators. See Orphans, Wills, &c. 107. 

Apparel. See Plainness, 113. 

Appeals, mode of proceeding in, 1. 

Apprentices. See Parents and G-uardians, 111. 

Arbitration, 3. Friends refusing to submit differences to 
arbitration, to be testified against, 4. Method of proceeding 
to be observed in arbitration, 7. Not to trouble ministering 
friends with, 4. See Law, 54. 

Arms, see War, 147. 

Auditors, to settle accounts, to be appointed by each monthly- 
meeting, 117. See Stock, 139. 

Awards, friends refusing to comply with, to be disowned, 5. 

Assistance, of superior meetings, to be applied for and afforded, 44. 

Bankruptcy. See Trade, 142. 

Backbiting to be avoided, 34. 

Bible. See Scriptures, 132. 

Births. See Records, 125. 

Books. Regulations respecting the printing, 9, and distribution 
of 10. Advice against reading improper books, 9. Advice 
to booksellers, 10. Book of discipline to be present at meet- 
ings of business, and to be read when solid friends advise to 
it, 101. Books of records to have alphabets, 126. 

Burials, 11. See Records, 125. Burial-G-rounds, 12. 

Business, those who launch into, beyond their ability to manage 
in the truth, to be timely labored with, 143. 



viii INDEX 

Certificates, such as remove to have them, 127. of min- 
isters who travel, to be called for, 82. To be granted to minis- 
ters with caution, 85. Certificate in the case of marriage, 62. 
64. See Kecords, 125. See Removals and settlements, 127. 

Charities. See Records, 125. See Wills, &c. 107. See Lib- 
erality to the Poor, 56. 

Children, 13. To be restrained, 48. To be brought up in a 
diligent attendance of meetings, 73. See Books, 9. Educa- 
tion, 47. Plainness, 113. Records, 125. Removals, 127. 
Schools, 130. Scriptures, 132. To be admitted members, at 
the discretion of monthly-meetings, 15. 

Christ. Faith in him exhorted to, &c. 73. Books tending to 
lessen the true faith in Christ to be discouraged, 9. 

Committee, to have the care of marriages, 63. 

Civil Government, 16. Advice to friends respecting their con- 
duct towards those in authority, 16. Advice against accepting 
offices, 19 — and electing friends thereto, 20. 

Clerk, of the yearly-meeting, how to be chosen, 154. 

Commerce. See Trade, 142. 

Collections. See Stock, 139. 

Conduct and Conversation. General advices relating to, 21. 

Controversies. See Appeals, 1. Arbitrations, 3. 

Convinced Persons, to be visited, 23. How to be iniated, 23. 

Correspondence. See Meeting for Sufferings, 70. 

Covetousness, 25. Such as covet to be rich warned against, 26. 

Customs, Duties, and Excise, friends cautioned against the non- 
payment of, 18. The unfaithful to be testified against, 19. See 
Queries, 121. 



Days and Times, 27. Advice against the superstitious observ- 
ance of, and giving improper names to, 29. 

Dealing, mode of, 97 — 99. See Discipline, &c. 40. 

Debts. Those deficient in the payment of, to be labored with, 
122. No distinction to be made in the payment of, whether 
by endorsement or otherwise, 146. 

Defamation and Detraction, 33. Mode of proceeding against 
persons charged with, 35. Defamation not subject to be arbi- 
trated, until the injury be proved, 8. Defamatory writings to 
be discouraged, 36. See Ministers and Elders, 83. 



INDEX. ix 

Denied persons, to stand disowned till reinstated, or the denial 
reversed by a superior meeting, 97. How to be reinstated, if 
removed, 99. 

Differences. Advices respecting, 38. See Appeals, 1. Arbi- 
tration, 3. Covetousness, 25. 

Discipline, and Meetings for Discipline, 40. See Monthly- 
Meetings, 97. Right Discipline the Lord's work, and to be 
done as in his sight, 41. Persons under dealing not to sit in 
meetings for business, 45. 

Diversions, 52. See Conduct, &c. 21. Education, 47. Parents 
and Guardians, 109. Plainness, 113. 

Dress. See Plainness, 113. Parents, &c. 109. Youth, 155. 

Donations and Subscriptions, of whom to be received, 46. How 
to be applied, 108. Not to be received of persons under 
dealing, 45. 

Drowsiness, and a lukewarm spirit, &c. exhortation against. 74. 



Education, 47. Of poor friends' children to be under the care 
of monthly and quarterly-meetings, 117. See Parents and 
Guardians, 109. Plainness, 113. Poor, 116. Schools, 130. 

Elders. Monthly-meetings to appoint faithful friends as Elders, 
and their duty, 78. To watch over the flock, 78. To help 
and inform the weak, 84. Advice to Elders, 86. See Minis- 
ters and Elders, 78. Queries of, 95. Monthly-Meetings, 97. 

Executors. Excused from referring matters, not their own pro- 
perty, to arbitration 6. To take inventories seasonably, 107. 

Failures. See Trade, 142. 

Faith, in Christ, exhortation to, 73. 

Families, 49. Monthly-meetings to appoint suitable friends to 
visit families, 49, 100. To be called together to wait on the 
Lord, 110. 

Fashions. See Conduct and Conversation, 21. Education, 47. 



Parents and Guardians, 109. Plainness, 113. 



Fasts. See Days and Times, 27. 
Free Masons, 51. 



Gaming and Diversions, 52. See Youth, 155, 
Government. See Civil Government, 16. 



X INDEX. 

Goods, those that run, &c. to be dealt with, 18. 

Grave-Stones. See Burials, 11. 

Gravity of deportment exhorted to, 74. 

Guardians. See Parents and Guardians, 109. Guardians who 
consent to, or encourage marriage contrary to our rules, to be 
dealt with, 66. See Marriage, 59. Wills, &c. 107. 

Hireling Ministry, and their Worship-Houses. Friends not to 
contribute to the support thereof, 53. 

Impost Duties and Excise, to be paid, 18. Such as have scruples 

against, how to conduct, 18. 
Impostors, pretending to the ministry, to be discouraged, 82. 
Immoral transgressors, to be dealt with, 21. 
Infidelity, books promoting, to be guarded against, 9. 
Indecent behavior, in meetings, discouraged, 22. 
Intemperance, advised against, 21. 
Inns. See Conduct and Conversation, 21. 

Language. See Plainness, 113. Parents and Guardians, 109. 
Days and Times, 27. 

Languages. Friends' children to be instructed in the modern, 47. 

Law, 54. Friends not to sue one another at law. 5. Excep- 
tions, 6, 54. See Sufferings, 140. 

Legacies. See Wills, &c. 107. Queries, 123. 

Liberality to the Poor, 56. Charity recommended, 56. Assis- 
tance to be afforded in sickness or scarcity. The rich warned 
and advised to communicate, 56. 

Love and Unity, 57. See differences, &c. 38. 
Lotteries. See Gaming and Diversions, 52. 

Manuscripts to be viewed by the meeting for sufferings, 70. 

Marriage. General advice relating to, 59. Not to proceed un- 
der twelve months after decease of former companion, 61. — • 
Rules for proceeding in relation to marriage, 62. The proceed- 
ings of such as apply for marriage, not to be objected to on ac- 
count of offences before unnoticed, 97. Rules against mann- 
ing with persons near of kin, 61. Persons taking each other 
without consent of their monthly-meeting, to be disowned, 66. 



INDEX Xi 

Rules respecting such as marry contrary to the established 

rules of the Society, 66. See Records, 125. Queries, 121. 

Removals, &c. 127. 
Masters, Mistresses, and Servants, 68. 
Meetings for Discipline, 40. 
of Ministers and Elders, 78. Their queries, 95. To 

annually choose or re-appoint a clerk, and keep records of their 

proceedings, 80. 

Meeting for Sufferings, 70. To be consulted by friends un- 
der sufferings, 70. To take the care of printing and distribut- 
ing friends' books, 9. To have the direction of the yearly- 
meeting's stock, 71. 

Meetings for Worship, 72. To be attended in due time, and 
not kept out of season, 73. Nor ended too soon, or unbecom- 
ingly, 76. Caution about behavior after, 76. Exhortation to 
attend those on week-days, 75. Persons professing with us, 
who absent themselves from our religious meetings, to be dealt 
with, 77. Persons living at a distance, reminded to keep meet- 
ings in their families, 73. See Ministers and Elders, &c. 78. 

Meeting-Houses, 69. 

Membership. See Children, 13. Monthly-Meetings, 97. Re- 
movals, &c. 127. Convinced Persons, 23. 

Militia. See War, 147. 

Ministers. Advice to, 91. Who are members of the meetings of 
ministers and elders, 79. Young ministers, when approved, to 
be reported to their monthly and quarterly -meetings, 79. Min- 
isters to be troubled as little as may be with being arbitrators, 
4. To avoid being entangled in the affairs of this life, 83. To 
be cautious of spreading reports to the disadvantage of any, 85. 
To shut their ears against all private information, 83. Such 
only to be permitted to travel, as are approved by their own 
monthly or quarterly-meetings, 95. Their certificates to be 
called for, 82. Those who are engaged to visit foreign parts, 
advised to propose their concern to the yearly-meeting of min- 
isters and elders, 94. To be ready to receive advice as well as 
teach and instruct, 84. Ministry not to be judged of hastily, 
but the hearers' own spirit to be first watched over, 84. All 
public opposition to ministers who are not disowned, to be 
avoided, 89. None to impose themselves as preachers, who 



xii INDEX. 

are not faithful in observing the various branches of our tes- 
timonies, 83. Mode of dealing with such as friends are not 
satisfied with, 90. Re-admission of such as are disowned, 90. 
Advices to ministers, 83, 91. To return to their habitations 
as soon as their service is over, 85. See Meetings of Minis- 
ters and Elders, 78. 

Ministers and Elders. See Meetings of Ministers and Elders, 
78. Living in neglect of attending meetings, to be visited and 
dealt with, 89. 

Moderation, exhortation to, 56. See Plainness, 113. 

Months. See Days and Times, 27. 

Monthly-Meetings, 97. Not to divide into two separate meet- 
ings, without the consent of the quarterly-meetings, 43. To 
appoint overseers, 43. To appoint friends to visit families, 
49, 100. Their judgment may be appealed against, 1. What 
they consist of, 43. Who refuse to comply with the judg- 
ment of the quarterly-meeting, must appeal to the yearly- 
meeting, or may be dissolved by the quarterly-meeting, 119. 
To encourage setting up schools, 130. What to record. See 
Records, 125. See Law, 54. 

Mourning habits. Friends not to imitate the vain custom of 
wearing or giving. See Burials, 12, 

Negroes and Slaves. Friends not to reap the unrighteous pro- 
fits of slavery, 102. Such as have been held in slavery to be 
encouraged in religious and virtuous lives, 103. 

Oaths, not to be taken on any occasion, 105. Not to be admin- 
istered by friends in office, 106. 

Offenders, how to be dealt with, 98, 99. 

Orphans, Wills, Executors, &c. 107. 

Overseers, to be chosen by each monthly-meeting, 43. See 
Monthly-Meetings, 97. 

Overseers of the Poor to be annually appointed, and their duty. 
117. 

Papers, to be examined before read, with some exception, 154. 
Parents and Guardians. G-eneral advice to, 109- To provide 
suitable schoolmasters, 110. To be exemplary. 110. To put 



INDEX. xiii 

their children apprentices to honest friends, 111. To be stirred 
up to their duty by monthly-meetings, 14. Such as consent 
to or encourage marriages contrary to our rules, are to be 
dealt with, 66. To instruct their children, 13. To keep 
their children to a seasonable and constant attendance of meet- 
ings, 73. Not to place those under care from among friends, 
without consent of the monthly-meeting, 111. When friends 
want apprentices, to seek our own members, 112. 

Plainness, 113. See conduct, &c. 21. Education, 47. Parents 
and Guardians, 109. 

Poor. Poor friends to be maintained by the society, 116. Not 
to be refused relief on account of offences unnoticed by month- 
ly-meetings, 97. Their children to be educated by monthly- 
meetings, 117. See Schools, 130. Liberality to the Poor, 56. 
Removals and Settlements, 127. 

Preparative-Meetings, 41. 

Prayer, caution to ministers therein, 93. 

Prize G-oods. See Queries, 122. 

Public Gifts, to be duly applied, 123. 

Quarterly-Meetings, 118. "What they consist of, 42. Se- 
lect-meetings how made up, 79. To be held the day before the 
quarterly and yearly-meetings, 80. To enter all minutes and 
written epistles from the yearly-meeting, in fair books, 119. 
To hold meetings for Divine worship, on the first day of the 
quarterly-meeting, 119. Time when and place where each 
quarter is held, 119. To appoint representatives to the yearly 
meeting, 153. Their judgment may be appealed from, 118. 
Not to be set up or divided into two, but by the yearly-meet- 
ing, 43. See Records, 125. Discipline, 40. May unite the 
select members of two or more monthly-meetings into one se- 
lect-meeting, 79. 

Queries, 121. To be considered and answered, 79. Select- 
Queries, 95. See Women's Meetings, 151. Yearly-Meeting. 
153. Answers to them must be plain and explicit, and up- 
proved by, and signed in and on behalf of quarterly-meet- 
ings, 123. 

Records, 125. To be open, and to whom, 43. 

Removals and Settlements, 127. 

Reports, evil. To be examined into before repeated. 3 1. 



xiv INDEX 

Repentance, of disorderly walkers to be recorded. See Records. 
125. None after repentance to be reproached with their 
transgressions, 40. See Monthly-Meetings, 97. 

Representatives, 43. See Yearly-Meeting, 153. 

Revenues. See Civil G-overnment, 18. 

Riches. See Covetousness, 25. Education, 47. Liberality to 
the Poor, 56. Parents and Guardians, 108. 

Salutations, unbecoming gestures by way of, to be avoided, 129, 

Schools, 130. Schoolmasters and mistresses of honest friends 
to be encouraged, 130. Poor children to be educated, 131. 
No friends' children to be sent to schools not of our society, 
but by the approbation of the school committee, 131. 

Scriptures. Duty of friends to cause their children to read 
them, 132. Books tending to corrupt the minds of youth to 
be discouraged, 132. See children, 13. Education, 47. Pa- 
rents and Guardians, 109. Schools, 130 . Queries, 121. 

Servants. See Masters, &c. 68. 

Sick to be visited, 49. And assisted, 56. 

Silent, humble dependence on the Lord exhorted to, 86. 

Simplicity. See Plainness, 113. 

Slaves. See Negroes and Slaves, 102. 

Sleeping in our Religious Meetings, 135. Such as continue 
therein not to be employed, 135. 

Spirituous Liquors, 137. The use of them advised against (ex- 
cept as medicine) 137. 

Stock. How to be raised, and at whose disposal, 139. 

Sufferings, 140. See War, 147. 

Superficial acknowledgments not to be accepted, 67. 

Taverns, not to be frequented unnecessarily. See Queries, 121. 

Tale-bearing. See Defamation, &c. 33. Queries, 121. 

Taxes mixed, the payment or non-payment of, not to be censured, 

149. Such as pay those expressly for war to be dealt with, 148. 
Testimonies and Memorials, 141. 
Treasurer, to be appointed in each meeting, and the treasury 

open to women's meetings as well as men's, 117. 
Trade, general advices to those concerned in, 142. Such as fail 

of paying their just debts, to be dealt with, and how, 143. 

Morlovntion in trade recommended. 143. Those unable to 



INDEX xv 

comply with their contracts, to call their creditors in time, 144. 
And not to pay one creditor in preference to another, 146. — 
See Covetousness, 25. Families suspected of going back- 
ward in estate to be visited, 142. 
Trustees excused from referring matters, when the property is 
not their own, to arbitration. See Arbitration, 6. Wills, &c. 
107. 

Visitors of Families, to be appointed, 49, 100. 

War, our testimouy respecting, 147. Rates or assessments for 
advancing the hire of soldiers or for military men, and those 
expressly for war, to be refused, 148. Caution against letting 
temporal interest induce any to contribute to war, 148. Pen- 
sions for military services rendered before membership with 
friends, not to be received, 150. 

Wills, to be made in health, 107. And according to justice and 
equity, 107. See Orphans, Wills, &c. 107. 

Women's Meetings, to be upheld and encouraged, 151. To ap- 
point representatives, 151. To proceed as the men's meetings 
are advised under queries, 123. Monthly-meetings, 97. Quar- 
terly-meetings, 118. And Yearly-meetings, 153. How the 
labors of men and women are to be united, 151. 

Yearly-Meeting. Its institution and design, 153. To nomi- 
nate committees of appeals and when, 2. 

Youth, caution and counsel to, 155. See Discipline, &c. 40. — ■ 
Children, 13. Education, 47. Parents and Guardians, 109. 
Plainness, 113. 



APPEALS. 



If any person or persons shall think themselves 
injured or aggrieved by the judgement of any 
monthly-meeting, of which they were a member 
or members, such person or persons may appeal 
to the quarterly-meeting, to which the said month- 
ly-meeting doth belong ; provided notice be given 
of such intended appeal, in three months after 
such judgment is given ; and the appeal must be 
lodged in such quarterly-meeting, within six months 
after such notice. 

If any persons be dissatisfied with the judgment 
of any quarterly-meeting, they may appeal from 
such judgment to the yearly-meeting; the appel- 
lants giving notice to the said quarterly-meeting 
of their intentions to appeal,- within six months 
after the judgment of such quarterly-meeting is 
given ; and such appeal must be brought to the 
next quarterly-meeting, if it may with convenience, 
or to the next following. 

If any appellant or appellants do not bring his, 
her or their appeal to the yearly-meeting next 
ensuing, due notice once given, then, if such ap- 
pellents continue their appeal, notice shall be re- 
peated in writing to the meeting against which 



2 APPEALS 

they may appeal, at least three months preceding 
the yearly-meeting. 1745. 

And when any persons manifest their intention 
of appealing from the judgment of a monthly or 
quarterly-meeting, that such meeting appoint a 
suitable number of friends to attend the superior 
meeting, with a copy of their doings signed by the 
clerk, there to manifest the reason upon which 
such judgment was founded : which superior meet- 
ing is to take said appeal into consideration and 
determine thereon, by a committee to be appointed 
for that purpose. 

It is concluded, that appeals to the yearly-meet- 
ing be entered and acted upon on the third day of 
the week. 1806. 

It is the judgment of this meeting, that month- 
ly-meetings have a right, in cases of reversal of 
their judgment against any individual member, on 
account of irregular dealing only, to take up the 
case again, and proceed according to discipline ; 
and it is recommended to committees of superior 
meetings to be careful, when reversals are made on 
account of irregular dealing only, to express the 
same in their report. 1807. 



( < ) 



ARBITRATION. 



Agreed, that the choosing of arbitrators is 
proper in cases of difference about a man's pro- 
perty. 1684. 

Whereas it sometimes happeneth to the hurt of 
truth, and grief of many friends, that differences 
do arise amongst some professing truth, about 
outward things : it is therefore by this meeting 
thought convenient, and advised, that when any 
friend or friends shall hear of any such difference 
betwixt any friends in that meeting to which they 
do belong, that they forthwith speak to and ten- 
derly advise, the persons between whom the dif- 
ference is, to make a speedy end thereof; and if 
that friend or those friends do not comply with their 
advice, that then they take to them one or two 
friends more, and again exhort them to end their 
difference ; and if they or either of them refuse, then 
to let them know, that it is the advice and coun- 
sel of friends, that they should each choose an equal 
number of indifferent, impartial and judicious friends, 
to hear and speedily determine the same ; and that 
they do bind themselves to stand to their award and 
determination, or the award and determination of 



4 ARBITRATION 

the major part of them, that shall be made and 
signed by the arbitrators. 

Also this meeting doth advise, that if any per- 
son professing the truth among us and esteemed a 
friend, shall refuse speedily to end the difference, or 
refer it as before advised, complaint be made of that 
person or persons unto the monthly-meeting to which 
he doth belong : and if after admonition he shall 
refuse so to refer his case, that then the meeting 
do testify against such person, and disown him to 
be of our society, until he shall comply with the 
equal methods and agreements of our society, and 
by such his compliance doth declare that he is for 
peace, and doth seek and desire it: And when 
any person, so refusing, is testified against by the 
meeting and disowned, the other person may have 
his liberty to seek his remedy against him at 
law. 1697. 

Advised, that in all cases of controversy and 
difference, the persons concerned therein either 
speedily compose the difference between them- 
selves or make choice of some faithful friends to 
determine the same ; or otherwise, if they cannot 
agree upon the choice, to submit to the monthly- 
meeting's choice of certain persons meet to inspect 
and determine the controversy, and to stand to 
their award and final determination thereof ; that 
such controversies may not be continued, to cause 
a reproach. 1692. 

And it is the advice of this meeting, that persons 
differing about outward things do, as little as may 
be, trouble public ministering friends with being 
arbitrators in such cases, 1697. 



ARBITRATION. 5 

And that all persons differing, be exhorted by 
the monthly-meeting to which they belong, when 
their cases are referred, and judgment and award 
made, signed and given thereupon, as aforesaid, 
to stand to and perform the said award, which they 
have bound themselves to perform : And if any 
shall refuse so to do, that then the monthly-meet- 
ing to which such person doth belong, upon no- 
tice thereof to them given, shall appoint a suit- 
able committee to labor with him, and if he do not 
make it evident, that there is manifest error or in- 
justice, they admonish him thereunto ; and if after 
admonition he persist to refuse, then the meeting 
to testify against him as before ; but if such er- 
ror or injustice be made to appear, then the mat- 
ter be reconsidered by the same or other arbitra- 
tors, as in the judgment of the monthly-meet- 
ing may appear best, and such correcting judg- 
ment be final. And the bonds of arbitration are 
not to be considered binding and final, where evi- 
dent error or injustice is made to appear, and it 
is advised that bonds be written accordingly ; but 
where this is not manifest, such bonds be conclu- 
sive and final. 

It is the sense and judgment of this meeting, 
that if any person professing truth with us, shall 
arrest, sue, or implead at law, any other of our 
members, before he hath proceeded in the methods 
herein before recommended, that such person doth 
therein depart from the principle of truth and the 
known way thereof, and acts contrary thereunto, 
and ought to be dealt with by the meeting he be- 
longs to, for the same ; and if he shall not give 



6 ARBITRATION. 

satisfaction to the meeting, for such his disorderly 
proceeding, by condemning it, and himself therein, 
that then he be disowned by the meeting. 1697. 
1692. 

And if the party so sued or arrested taking with 
him, or if under confinement, sending one or two 
friends to the person who goes to law, shall com- 
plain thereof, the said person shall be required im- 
mediately to stay proceedings ; and if he does not 
comply with such requisition, the monthly-meeting 
to which he belongs shall disown him, if the case 
require it. 1782. 

So much of the minute as doth relate simply to 
the entering into bonds, and so far as arbitrations 
may be refused on account of disputes and ques- 
tions in law, relating to executors or trustees, where 
the property is not their own, in both these cases, 
that there be a particular and special regard had to 
the nature and circumstances of things, it not being 
either now, nor at the time of making the said 
minute, the intent of this meeting, in the above 
described or other cases, to lay any unwarrantable 
burthen upon any brother, nor upon the church of 
God. 1720. 



ARBITRATION 



The following method is to be observed in pro- 
ceeding in Arbitrations. 

1. Each party having chosen one or two indif- 
ferent, impartial and judicious friends, those so cho- 
sen are to agree upon a third or a fifth friend, un- 
less the parties first agree in the nomination, whose 
name shall be inserted with the others in the bonds 
of arbitration, or other written agreement. 

2. The arbitrators should not consider them- 
selves as advocates for the party by whom they 
were chosen, but men, whose incumbent duty it is 
to judge righteously, fearing the Lord. They 
should shun all previous information respecting 
the case, that they may not become biased in 
their judgments before they hear both parties to- 
gether. 

3. The parties to enter into written engage- 
ments or bonds, if either of them require it, to abide 
by the award of the arbitrators, or a majority of 
them, to be made in a limited time. 

4. Every meeting of the arbitrators must be 
made known to the parties concerned, until they 
have been fully heard, nor shall there be any sepa- 
rate private meetings between some of the arbitra- 
tors, or with one party separate from the other, on 
the business referred to them ; and no representa- 
tion of the case of one party, either by writing or 
otherwise, be admitted, without its being fully made 
known to the other, and, if required, a copy to be 
delivered to the other party. 



8 ARBITRATION. 

5. The arbitrators are to hear both parties fully, 
in the presence of each other, whilst either hath any 
fresh matter to offer, until a certain time, to be 
limited by mutual agreement. Let no evidence or 
witness be withheld or rejected. 

6. If there should appear to the arbitrators, or 
any of them, to be any doubtful point of law, they 
are jointly to agree upon a case, and consult counsel 
thereupon. 

The arbitrators are not required to express in 
the award their reasons for their decision. One 
writing of the award is to be delivered to each 
party. 

It is recommended to arbitrators to propose to the 
parties, that they should give an acknowledgement 
in writing, before the award be made, that they 
have been candidly and fully heard. 

Matters of defamation are not subjects to be arbi- 
trated, until the defamation is proved, and that some 
injury is sustained by the defamed, in his trade, 
calling, or property ; and in that case the damage 
should be submitted to arbitration. 1782. But 
where damage is not proved to be sustained, the 
person defaming is liable to be dealt with, as pro- 
vided under head Defamation. 



BOOKS. 



It being recommended to the meeting for suffer- 
ings, to take the oversight of all writings proposed 
to be printed, which relate to our religious princi- 
ples or testimonies, our members who may have any 
such publications in view, are to lay them before 
the said meeting for its advice and concurrence. 
And it is the sense of this meeting, that if any 
friend shall print or publish any such writing, with- 
out laying it before said meeting, or against the 
advice of said meeting for sufferings, such persons 
should be complained of to the monthly-meeting 
they belong to, and if they cannot be convinced 
of the impropriety of their conduct, be testified 
against, as opposed to the peace and good order of 
the society. 

This meeting doth earnestly exhort all parents, 
heads of families, and guardians of minors, that 
they prevent as much as in them lies, their chil- 
dren, and others under their care and tuition, from 
having or reading books and papers tending to pre- 
judice the profession of the Christiali religion, to 
create the least doubt concerning the authenticity 
of the Holy Scriptures, or of those saving truths; 
4 



10 BOOKS. 

declared in them, lest their infant and feeble minds 
should be poisoned thereby, and a foundation laid 
for the greatest evils. And it is earnestly recom- 
mended to all members of our religious society, 
that they discourage and suppress the reading of 
plays, pernicious novels, and other bad books. And 
printers and booksellers in profession with us, are 
cautioned against printing, selling or lending such 
books, as it is a practice inconsistent with the purity 
of the Christian religion. And friends are desired 
to be careful in the choice of all books in which 
their children and families read, seeing there are 
many under the specious titles of promoting religion 
and morality, which contain sentiments repugnant 
to the truth in Christ Jesus. 

And monthly-meetings are desired to provide the 
families of poor friends, with friends' books, and 
such as are adapted to the instruction and edification 
of their children. 

It is recommended, that the meeting for suffer- 
ings do distribute friends' books in such manner, and 
such places, as it may think proper, 



( 11 ) 



BURIALS. 



Although we do not feel disposed to enjoin 
any particular mode, with respect to burials, yet 
we recommend the attention of friends to the 
practice of the society, as anciently described, 
viz. 

" If the corpse of the deceased be near any public 
meeting-house, it is usually carried thither, for the 
more convenient reception of those that accompany 
it to the grave-yard ; and it so falls out sometimes, 
that while the meeting is gathering for the burial, 
some or other have a word of exhortation, for the 
sake of the people there met together ; after which 
the body is borne away by the young men, or those 
that are of their neighborhood, or that were most 
of the intimacy of the deceased party ; the corpse 
being in a plain coffin, without any covering or fur- 
niture upon it. At the ground, they pause some- 
time before they put the body into its grave, that if 
any there should have any thing upon them to 
exhort the people, they may not be disappointed, 
and that the relations may the more retiredly and 
solemnly take their last leave of the corpse of their 
departed kindred, and the spectators have a sense 
of mortality, by the occasion then given them to 
reflect upon their own latter end." 



12 BUKIALS. 

And in order that burials be commendably and 
decently accomplished, as well as for the assist- 
ance of those immediately concerned, monthly- 
meetings are advised to appoint some solid friends 
to attend thereat. 

And whereas friends in some places have gone 
into the vain and empty custom of erecting mon- 
uments over the dead bodies of friends, for distinc- 
tion, by tombstones, inscriptions, &c, and we being 
very desirous friends should keep a commendable 
plainness and simplicity in this, as well as other re- 
spects ; it is therefore the advice of this meeting, 
that all such monuments over dead bodies of friends, 
should be removed, as much as may be with dis- 
cretion and conveniency ; and that none be any 
where made or set up, near or over the dead bodies 
of friends or others, in friend's burying places, for 
time to come. And it is recommended to friends, 
as much as may be, to get into the practice of bury- 
ing our dead in rows ; grown people by themselves, 
and children by themselves, without any distinction 
of families or relatives, and to take care that grave- 
yards are decently inclosed. 



According to the primitive simplicity and inno- 
cency of friends, it is the advice of this meeting, 
that no friends imitate the world in any distinction 
of habit or otherwise, as marks or tokens of mourn- 
ing for the dead. 1717. 

Advised against imitating the vain custom of 
wearing, or giving mourning, and all extravagant 
expenses about the interment of the dead. 1724. 



( M ) 



CHILDREN. 



Inasmuch as we have a large body of youth 
growing up, the offspring of friends, these call for 
our special care and concern, that they may be 
preserved in the way of truth, in which our fore- 
fathers walked ; and in order thereto, we tender- 
ly recommend to all parents and guardians, first, 
that they take heed to themselves, that their own 
spirits be rightly seasoned and directed, for the 
help and good government of their children ; and 
then that they have a constant watchful eye in 
love over them for their good, and keep them as 
much as possible within their notice and obser- 
vation ; for this we are sensible of, that the mis- 
carriages of youth have very much proceeded from 
their being imprudently indulged, or left to them- 
selves, by which means they become exposed to 
the danger of evil examples on the one hand, and 
vicious corrupt principles on the other, with which 
the world too much abounds: and therefore we 
earnestly and tenderly advise all parents and 
guardians to be watchfully concerned in this re- 
spect, and that they take all proper occasions, 
both by example and instruction, to help their 



14 CHILDREN. 

children ; and that mothers of children as well as 
fathers, as they have frequently the best opportu- 
nities, would take particular care to instruct thern 
in the knowledge of religion, and the Holy Scrip- 
tures ; because it has been found by experience 
that good impressions early made on the tender 
minds of children, have proved lasting means of 
preserving them in a religious life and conver- 
sation. This practice was enjoined strongly upon 
the people of Israel by Moses and Joshua, the 
servants of the Lord, who required them to read 
or repeat the law to their children ; and the 
apostle Paul takes notice of Timothy's being well 
instructed in the Holy Scriptures from a child, 
and of the unfeigned faith which dwelt in his 
grand-mother Lois, and his mother Eunice, 2 Tim. 
i. 5, who no doubt had a religious care of his edu- 
cation. 

But when parents or guardians are deficient in 
such their care, we recommend to monthly-meet- 
ings, that they stir them up thereto, either by 
visiting them in their families, or in such manner 
as in the wisdom of God they may see meet ; that 
so the doctrines of the gospel, and a conversation 
agreeable thereunto, may be maintained unto all 
generations. 1732. 

It is the sense and judgment of this meeting, 
that the natural right of membership extend to all 
children, born of parents who are both members, 
and should one of the parents be disowned, it shall 
not prejudice the right of those children born after- 
wards, provided the other parent remain in mem- 
bership. 



CHILDREN. 15 

That where but one of the parents is a member, 
become so by application or otherwise, their children 
shall not be considered members, unless such parent 
make application to the monthly-meeting, on ac- 
count of their children, and the meeting judge 
such children suitable to admitted as members. 

And it is advised that where but one of the pa- 
rents is a member of our society, that they endeavor 
to bring up their children agreeable to truth, as far 
as is in their power, and when they think it suitable 
for them to be members, not to neglect asking the 
care of friends in their behalf. 1774. 



( 16 ) 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



It is our principle, and hath ever been our prac- 
tice, to be subject to whatsoever government is set 
over us, either by doing or suffering. 1660, re- 
newed in 1782. 

This is our principle, and hath ever been our prac- 
tice, to obey authority by doing or suffering, not dis- 
puting whether the authority in itself be absolutely 
of God or not, yet being an authority over us, we 
are to obey it either by doing or suffering, because it 
is an authority. 1661, renewed 1782. 

Advised to walk wisely and circumspectly to- 
wards all men, in the peaceable spirit of Christ Je- 
sus, giving no offence or occasions to those in out- 
ward government nor way to any controversies, 
heats, and distractions of this world about the king- 
doms of it ; but to pray for the good of all, and sub- 
mit all to that divine power and wisdom which rules 
over the kingdoms of men. 1689. 

This meeting was well satisfied, and very glad of 
the sense it had of the innocency and peaceable- 
ness of the body of friends in general, towards the 
civil government under which we live, and enjoy our 
present liberty in the peaceable exercise of our ten- 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 17 

der consciences towards Almighty God, to whom 
we are humbly thankful for the same, being obliged 
to demean ourselves not only as grateful people, 
but as a Christian society, to live peaceably and 
inoffensively under the present government, as we 
have always done under the various revolutions, of 
government, ever since we were a people accord- 
ing to our ancient Christian principle and practice ; 
in which we hope we shall ever persevere, accord- 
ing as we are enjoined by our peaceable Saviour 
Jesus Christ, and the Christian advice of his faith- 
ful servants and ministers among us : We being 
a people clear, in the sight of God, from all evil 
designs, plots, and conpiracies whatsoever, and 
hope we shall continue a people always quiet in 
the land, having nothing but love and good will to 
all men. 

Persuaded this our ancient Christian testimony, 
publicly owned among us, none can gainsay, nor 
any faithful friends can ever decline ; being assured, 
that the Lord will in his own due time, remove all 
offences and causeless jealousies and reproaches, 
tending to cloud our innocency, and will set his own 
power and the peaceable kingdom of his dear Son 
over all. 1692. 

We cannot for conscience sake actively comply 
with some things enjoined by human laws, yet the 
principles we profess, as well as the Holy Scriptures, 
require that we should " render unto Caesar the 
things that are Caesar's," and be punctual in the 
payment of every tribute, which we can justly do, 
without acting in opposition to that sacred illumi- 
nation bestowed upon us by the Father of Lights, 



18 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

not only to teach, but also to enable us to per- 
form every duty with uprightness and integrity, 
both to God, and to those who, in the course of 
his providence, are placed in authority. 1757. 

For the preservation of our fellow-members, it 
appears necessary for this meeting to issue forth 
the following advices, viz : 

That they strictly adhere to our long professed 
and invariable principle, against being concerned 
in pulling down and setting up, or bringing about 
revolutions in outward government, by outward 
force, .human policy or contrivance ; and also that 
they be not deceived with the flattering prospect 
of being clothed with secular authority, either 
legislative, judicial or executive, knowing these 
things have a tendency rather to brace the mind 
with pride, and expose to various temptations, 
than to humble the creature ; therefore shun temp- 
tation, seek humility, the way to be clothed with 
authority in the truth, and be contented with the 
honor and dignity thereof. 1782. 

It is our sense and judgment, that no friend can, 
consistent with our Christian testimony, run, or 
make, or countenance on his behalf to be made, any 
short entries of goods, wares or merchandize, im- 
ported, on which the government have laid any im- 
post, duties or excise ; but that a true and honest 
manifest thereof be exhibited to the proper office 
for receiving the same, and if there should be any 
who have a conscientious scruple against the pay- 
ment of such imposts, duties or excise, which may 
now or hereafter be required, thev acquaint the offi- 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 19 

cer or the government therewith, who we doubt not 
will be tender in that respect ; as we, as a people, 
mean to be subject to the laws passively, where our 
consciences restrain from active compliance there- 
with. 

And if any of our members should act inconsist- 
ently herewith, or should buy or vend any goods, 
knowing them to be run or short entered, that 
Monthly-meetings deal with such as disorderly walk- 
ers. 

Liberty of conscience being the common right of 
all men, and particularly essential to the wells-being 
of religious societies, hence we hold it to be indis- 
pensably incumbent upon us to maintain it inviola- 
bly among ourselves ; and therefore advise and ex- 
hort all in profession with us, to decline the ac- 
ceptance of any office or station in civil govern- 
ment, the duties of which are inconsistent with 
our religious principles, or in the exercise of which 
they may be under the necessity of exacting of 
their brethren any compliances against which we 
are conscientiously scrupulous. And if any persons 
in membership with us, notwithstanding this advice, 
shall persist in conduct so reverse to our principles 
and religious liberty, it is the sense of this meeting 
that they be treated with as in other cases of of- 
fence ; and if they cannot be brought to see and 
acknowledge their error, that the monthly-meeting 
to which they belong should proceed to testify our 
disunity with them. 

And it is the sense and judgment of this meeting, 
that friends ought not, in any wise, to be active or 



20 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

accessary in electing, or promoting to be elected, 
their brethren to such offices or stations in civil gov- 
ernment, the execution whereof tends to lay waste 
our christian testimony, or subject their brethren or 
others to sufferings on account of their conscientious 
scruples. 

Believing that we are called to show forth to 
the world, in life and practice, the blessed reign 
of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace ; under the in- 
fluence of these principles, we cannot consistently 
join with such as form combinations of a hostile 
nature against any ; much less in opposition to those 
placed' in sovereign or subordinate authority; nor 
can we unite with or encourage such as revile and 
asperse them, for it is written " thou shalt not speak 
evil of the ruler of thy people." Acts xxiii. 5. 



( 21 ) 



CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 



We earnestly beseech all friends, and the youth 
especially, to avoid all such conversation as tends 
to draw out their minds into the foolish and wick- 
ed pastimes with which this age abounds ; particular- 
ly balls, gaming-places, horse-races and play-houses, 
those nurseries of debauchery and wickedness, 
the burthen and grief of the sober part of other 
societies, as well as of our own ; practices wholly 
unbecoming a people under the Christian profes- 
sion, &c. 

And where any professing with us are found 
transgressing this advice, or are in the practice of 
any immoralities, or other reproachful conduct, 
that the monthly-meeting where such transgressors 
belong deal with them. 

It is earnestly recommended to all friends, re- 
sorting to our annual or other public assemblies, 
to be very careful at their inns, or other places 
where they may lodge or converse, to be prudent 
in all manner of behavior, both in public and 
private ; avoiding all intemperance in eating and 
drinking, and likewise foolish jesting, or any un- 
due liberty whatsoever ; that our conversation, sea- 



22 CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION. 

soned with the fear of God, may appear correspond 
dent to our profession, and answer the witness of 
God in others. 1739. 

It is the sense of this meeting, that chewing 
tobacco, and taking snuff, unnecessary going out 
of our religious meetings, laughing and other in- 
decent behaviour therein, and frequent or unne- 
cessary conversation at the breaking up thereof, are 
practices inconsistent with Christian gravity, and 
unbecoming the solemnity of the occasion ; and 
friends are desired to labor to suppress the same, 
and where any, contrary to the Christian advices 
of their brethren or sisters, continue therein, it is 
recommended to the meetings they belong to, to 
deal with them as with those who refuse the advice 
of their friends. 



( 23 ) 



CONVINCED PERSONS. 



We esteem it very necessary and requisite, that 
young convinced and well inclined persons be early 
visited in the love of God, by faithful friends, for 
their encouragement, help, and furtherance in 
truth. 1710. 

We earnestly entreat that an holy care may rest 
upon all professors of truth, to walk circumspect- 
ly as good examples ; that in a particular man- 
ner the ministers and elders may carefully watch, 
that their conduct may be to the edification and 
strength of the honest, though sometimes weak 
inquirers. 1753. 

Advised, that for initiating convinced persons 
into membership with us, that they apply to a 
preparative meeting and make their request, and 
if the preparative meeting approve the same, 
that it inform the monthly - meeting thereof, 
whereupon the monthly - meeting may appoint 
some suitable friends to inquire into their lives 
and conversations, and also take a solid oppor- 
tunity of conference with them, in order the bet- 
ter to understand, whether their motives for such 
request be sincere and from true conviction, and 



24 CONVINCED PERSONS, 

make report of their suitableness to become mem- 
bers accordingly, which if satisfactory to the meet- 
ing, a minute be then made thereon, signifying 
its acceptance of such persons as members of our 
society. 

But in all such cases, friends are desired care- 
fully to attend to the advice of the apostle, viz. 
" Lay hands suddenly on no man." 



( 25 ) 



COVETOUSNESS, 



Let none strive nor covet to be rich in this 
world, in these changeable things that will pass 
away ; but let jour faith stand in the Lord God, 
who changes not, that created all, and gives the 
increase of all. 1676. 

We do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christy 
warn and charge all that profess the truth amongst 
us, to take heed and beware of covetousness, 
over-reaching, oppressing and defrauding of any, 
from whence strife, contention and law -suits, do 
often arise; and if any difference about these 
things do happen among you, to stop and sup- 
press it. 1697. 

As our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ exhorted 
and warned to take heed and beware of covetous- 
ness, which is idolatry, we are concerned that 
all professing Christianity among us may take 
heed of pride, covetousness, and hastening to be 
rich in the world, which are pernicious and grow- 
ing evils ; let them be watched against 3 resist- 
ed and suppressed, in the fear and dread of Al- 
mighty God, and have no place or countenance 
in his camp. O, ye grave elders, both men and 
6 



26 COVETOUSNESS 

women ! be careful and watchful against these 
evils, and over the youth in these cases. 1720. 

We beseech you to stand upon your guard against 
the allurements and temptations of this evil world : 
and beware of an ambitious and covetous spirit, 
by which many are ensnared in too eager a pur- 
suit of earthly enjoyments : the danger of which 
is thus described by the apostle Paul : " They that 
will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare ; and 
into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown 
men in destruction and perdition : For the love of 
money is the root of all evil, which while some 
coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and 
pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 

Beware therefore, dearly beloved, lest you also, 
being led aside by the love of this world, and the 
deceitfulness of riches, fall from your own steadfast- 
ness. 1740, 



( 27 ) 



DAYS AND TIMES, 



Some reasons for not observing Fasts and Feast Days and 
Times, and other human injunctions and institutions relative 
to the worship of G-od. 

Ever since we were a people we have had a tes- 
timony against formal worship, being convinced 
by the precepts of our Lord Jesus Christ, the tes- 
timonies of his apostles, and our own experience, 
that the worship and prayers which God accepts, 
are such only as are produced by the influence 
and assistance of his Holy Spirit ; we cannot there- 
fore consistently unite with any in the observa- 
tion of public fasts, feasts, and what they term 
holy days; or such injunctions and forms as are 
devised in man's will for divine worship ; the dis- 
pensation to which outward observations were pe- 
culiar, having long since given place to the spi- 
ritual dispensation of the gospel, we believe the 
fast we are now called to is not the bowing of 
the head like a bulrush for a day, but an univer- 
sal and continual fasting and refraining from every 
thing which has a tendancy to defile the soul 
and unfit it for becoming the temple of the Holy 
Ghost, according to the injunctions of Christ to his 
primitive disciples : " If any man will come after 
me, let him take up his daily cross and follow me. 
Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may 
be accounted worthy to escape all these things 



m DAYS AND TIMES 

that shall come to pass, and to stand before the 
Son of Man." That the primitive believers saw 
an end of these shadows of good things, by com- 
ing to him in whom all figures and shadows 
end, is evident by the words of the apostle Paul ; 
" for Christ," said he, " is the end of the law, 
for righteousness to every one that believe th." 
Rom. x. 4. But now hath he obtained a more 
excellent ministry, by how much also is he the 
mediator of a better covenant, which was estab- 
lished upon better promises. Heb. viii. 6. " Let 
no man therefore judge you in meat or drink, 
or in respect of an holy day, or of the new 
moon, or of the sabbath days, which are a 
shadow of things to come, but the body is of 
Christ. Col. ii. 16, 17. And the same apostle 
thus expostulated with some who it appears had 
fallen from the true faith in these respects : 
" But now, after that ye have known God, or 
rather are known of God, how turn ye again to 
the beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again 
to be in bondage. Ye observe days, and months, 
and times, and years : I am afraid of you, lest I 
have bestowed upon you labor in vain." Gal. it. 
9, 10, 11. 

Whilst therefore, it is our earnest concern that 
we may be found worshippers within the temple, 
it is affectionately desired that our members may 
be individually cautious not to give occasion of ad- 
ditional suffering to the truly conscientious amongst 
us, by any compliance with such observances as 
our worthy ancestors were rightly concerned to 
bear testimony against. 



DAYS AND TIMES. 29 

Advised, that all friends keep to the simplicity 
of truth, and our ancient testimony, in calling 
and writing the months and days by scripture names 
(that is numerical) and not by heathen. 1697. 

And that you may the more clearly discern 
the importance of that Christian testimony borne 
by our predecessors in this case, we recom- 
mend what follows to your serious considera- 
tion, viz : 



A brief account of the origin of the names of some months 
of the year, and of all the days of the week, now customarily 
and commonly used. 

I. January was so called from Janus, an an- 
cient king of Italy, whom heathenish superstition 
had deified, to whom a temple was built and this 
month dedicated. 

II. February was so called from Februa, a word 
denoting purgation by sacrifices ; it being usual in 
this month for the priests of the heathen god Pan 
to ofler sacrifices, and perform certain rites, con- 
ducing, as was supposed, to the cleansing or purga- 
tion of the people. 

III. March was so denominated from Mars, 
feigned to be the god of war, whom Romulus, 
founder of the Roman empire, pretended to be his 
father. 

IV. April is generally supposed to derive its name 
from the Greek appellation of Venus, an imaginary 
goddess worshipped by the Romans. 



30 DAYS AND TIMES 

V. May is said to have been so called from 
Maia, the Mother of Mercury, another of their 
pretended ethnick deities, to whom in this month 
they paid their devotions. 

VI. June is said to take its name from Juno, 
one of the supposed goddesses of the heathen. 

VII. July, so called from Julius Caesar, one of 
the Roman emperors, who gave his own name to 
this month, which before was called Quintilis, or 
the fifth. 

VIII. August, so named in honor of Augus- 
tus Caesar, another of the Roman emperors. — 
This month was before called Sextilis, or the 
sixth. 

The other four months, namely, September, 
October, November and December, still retain 
their numerical Latin names, which, according to 
the late regulation of the calendar, will for the 
future be improperly applied. However, from 
the continued use of them hitherto, as well as 
from the practice of the Jews before the Babylon- 
ish captivity,* it seemeth highly probable, that the 
method of distinguishing the months by their nu- 
merical order only, was the most ancient, as it is 
the most plain, simple and rational. 

As the idolatrous Romans thus gave names to 
several of the months in honor of their pretend- 
ed deities ; so the like idolatry prevailing among 
our Saxon ancestors, induced them to call the 
days of the week by the name of the idol which 
on that day they peculiarly worshiped. Hence 

■See the Scriptures to the time of Ezra. 



DAYS AND TIMES 31 

the First day of the week was by them called 
Sunday, from their accustomary adoration of the 
sun upon that day. 

The Second day of the week they called Mon- 
day, from their usual custom of worshipping the 
moon on that day. 

The Third day of the week they named Tues- 
day, in honor of one of their idols called Tuisco. 

The Fourth day of the week they called 
Wednesday, from the appellation of Woden, an- 
other of their idols. 

The Fifth day of the week was called Thurs- 
day, from the name of an idol called Thor, to 
whom they paid their devotions on that day. 

The Sixth day of the week was termed Friday; 
from the name of Friga, an imaginary goddess 
by them worshipped. 

The Seventh day of the week they styled Sat- 
urday, as is supposed from Saturn or Seater, by 
them then worshiped.* 

In the ages of Popish superstition, not only the 
use of such heathenish names and customs was 
indulged, but also other unsound and unscriptur- 
al practices in religion were invented and intro- 
duced. For when the profession of the Christian 
religion became national, multitudes of the heath- 
en priests, whose interest lay in the performance 
of rights, ceremonies, and sacrifices, embraced 
prevailing Christianity with selfish views, and la- 
bored early, with too much success, to find em- 
ployment for themselves, by imposing on the peo- 

*Sec Verstregan and Sheringkam. 



32 DAYS AND TIMES 

pie a new set of ceremonies and sacrifices, bear- 
ing some resemblance to those, which in their 
former state of heathenism they had been accus- 
tomed to. From this corrupt source sprang the 
Popish sacrifice of the mass, the celebration of 
which, at particular times and on particular oc- 
casions, gave rise to the vulgar names of Michael- 
mas, Martinmas, Christmas, and the like. 

Seeing therefore that these appellations and 
names of days, months, and times, are of an idol- 
atrous or superstitious original, contrary to the 
divine command, the practice of good and holy 
men in former ages and repugnant to the Chris- 
tian testimony borne by our faithful friends and 
predecessors in the truth, for the sake of which 
they patiently endured many revilings ; let neither 
the reproach of singularity nor the specious 
reasonings of such as would evade the cross of 
Christ, turn you aside from the simplicity of the 
gospel, nor discourage you from keeping to the 
language of truth, in denominating the months 
and days according to the plain and scriptural 
way of expression, thereby following the example 
of our worthy elders, and coming up in a noble 
and honorable testimony against these and all 
other remains of idolatry and superstition, 

From the Meeting for Sufferings in London, 
the sixth day of the seventh month, 1751. 



( 33 ) 



DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION. 



Advised, to watch against all tale-bearing and 
defaming friends or others, or evil-speaking tend- 
ing thereunto ; and shut out all occasions of 
offences, contentions and divisions, and to put a 
speedy stop thereto, passing righteous judgment 
upon all, who appear instruments of divisions and 
offences, contrary to that peaceable truth and 
gospel we profess to be guided by. Be kind and 
tender hearted one to another, earnestly laboring 
for universal love, union, and peace in our re- 
ligious society. 

But when any hath received offence from an- 
other, let him first speak privately to the party of- 
fending, and endeavor reconciliation between them- 
selves, and not to whisper or aggravate matters 
against one another, behind their backs, to the 
making of parties, and the breach wider. 1 692. 

Let those just and ancient commands of God 
be observed, Levit. xix. 16, " Thou shalt not go 
up and down as a tale bearer among thy people :" 
and Exodus xxiii. 1, " Thou shalt not raise a false 
report." In the fear of the Lord stand against 
all whisperers, backbiters, tale-bearers, defamers, 
and slanderers, and against all whisperings, back- 
7 



34 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION 

bitings, tale-bearing, reproaching, and slandering, 
and put a speedy stop thereto as much as in you 
lies, for such works of darkness and envy tend to 
division and discord, and the righteous law of God 
goes against both the authors, fomenters, receivers 
and encouragers thereof. 1695. 

Be careful to avoid all backbitings, whisperings, 
and tale-bearings ; for " The words of a tale-bear- 
er," says the wise man, " are as wounds," Prov. 
xviii. 8, tending to the defamation and lessening the 
characters one of another. Be not, therefore, like 
those of whom the prophet complains, " Report " 
say they " and we will report ;" but when you hear 
a thing tending to the defamation of any, inquire of 
the reporter, whether he has acquainted the per- 
son affected thereby with such a report ; if not, 
caution him to forbear spreading the same, lest 
the reputation of the innocent be injured thereby. 
Endeavor to put a speedy stop to all such wicked 
practices, and works of darkness, justly condem- 
nable, not only in the authors but the encouragers 
thereof. " He that worketh deceit," says the Royal 
Psalmist, " shall not dwell within my house ; he 
that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight." Psal. 
ci. 5, 7. 1738. 

We remind you to stand upon your guard 
against all whispering, backbiting and detracting 
spirits, who busy themselves in spreading evil 
surmisings one of another, and to discourage every 
practice of that nature, observing the advice of 
the apostle, " Let all bitterness, wrath, and an- 
ger, and clamor, and evil-speaking, be put away 
from you, with all malice ; be ye kind one to an- 



DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION. 35 

other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even 
as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." 
Eph. iv. 31, 32. Always mindful of the precept 
of our Lord, " Whatsoever ye would that men 
should do to you, do ye even so to them. Mat. 
viii. 12. 1748. 

It is the advice of this meeting, that any person 
charged with defamation or scandal, ought to be 
proceeded against in the manner and by the sev- 
eral steps following. 

First, the person defamed, or supposed to be 
defamed, in his own person, or any other to whom 
the knowledge of the case shall come, to go to the 
accused and tell him his fault or supposed fault, 
between them alone, and by the best method he 
is capable of, to labor to convince him of it, in 
order to his acknowledgment of the truth and re- 
pentance, if he appears to be guilty. But if the 
accused shall appear, either through ignorance not 
to apprehend the validity of the proof, or through 
wilfulness not to yield to it, or being convinced, 
shall refuse to make such satisfaction as the na- 
ture of the case requires, (that being the conse- 
quence of true repentance ;) in such case the ac- 
cuser to take with him one or two more of the 
monthly-meeting the accused belongs to, if it may 
be conveniently done ; and if the accused thinks 
fit, he may bring with him one or two friends also 
of the same monthly-meeting, if it may be con- 
veniently done ; and they, together, in the wis- 
dom of God, to endeavor to obtain the true 
knowledge of the case, by hearing witnesses, if 
there be occasion. And if they all judge him 



36 DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION. 

guilty, and he doth not make satisfaction ; or if 
they do all not agree that he is innocent ; in either 
of these cases happening, the person charging is 
at liberty to bring the matter before the church, 
who are the only judges now remaining, both of 
the nature of the fact, and the validity of the 
proof of it ; and they in the wisdom of God, 
which we hope will not be wanting to his church, 
as they humbly wait on him for it, to deal with 
him for the good ends before mentioned, and as 
they see cause upon a mature and deliberate con- 
sideration, to justify or condemn him. And if 
the church shall see meet to commit the consid- 
eration of a case of this nature, for better dis- 
patch, to certain persons of its own body, we 
recommend it as our tender advice, in case the 
accused shall object against one or more of the 
friends so chosen, that the church have a due re- 
gard to such objection, and set aside the person 
or persons so objected against, and substitute an- 
other or others in his or their room, provided such 
objection doth not extend to the major part of the 
friends so chosen ; and in general, we desire all 
tenderness and regard may be had to a person 
under such circumstances ; and that friends, in a 
spirit of love and condescension, should be ready to 
make him as easy as they can, provided they keep 
up the authority of the meetings. 

Nameless books, pamphlets, and papers, re- 
flecting darkly on friends, are testified against ; 
and it is desired that no such book, pamphlet or 
paper, be written, printed, published, or privately 



DEFAMATION AND DETRACTION. 37 

handed about, by any under our profession, for the 
time to come. 1718. 

If you hear a report of a friend (to his disad- 
vantage) be careful not to report it again, but go 
to the person of whom the report is, and inquire 
if it be true ; then deal with such person for it, 
according to the doctrine of Christ, Mat. xviii, 
16, 17 ; but if false, then endeavor as much as in 
you lies, to stop such report : For, as Solomon says, 
" A good name is rather to be chosen than great 
riches." Prov. xxii. 1. 1719. 

Whereas it may happen, that some friends may 
suffer much in their reputation and character, by 
a detracting spirit, which too much prevails among 
some bearing our name, who shelter themselves 
under a pretence that they say no more than they 
have heard from others, but will not discover who 
they are ; wherefore to prevent this evil of report- 
ing and tale-bearing, it is agreed, that such re- 
porters or tale-bearers shall either discover their 
authors, or be dealt with, and testified against, as 
the authors thereof. 1744. 



( 38 ) 



DIFFERENCES AND DISPUTES, 



Advised, that friends be tender to the principle 
of God in all, and shun the occasion of vain dis- 
putes and janglings, both amongst themselves 
and others ; for this many times is like a bluster- 
ing wind, that hurts and bruises the tender buds 
of plants. 1676. 

Seeing our comfort as a people, depends upon 
our care to maintain peace and fellowship amongst 
brethren, in all our services, we earnestly recom- 
mend an humble and condescending frame of 
spirit unto all ; that with godly fear, wisdom and 
meekness, we may be so ordered in all our re- 
spective services, that every high and rough thing 
may be laid low, that all occasions of striving may 
be prevented, and the peace of the church of Christ 
preserved and increased amongst us. 

And to this purpose it is tenderly advised, that 
we diligently and carefully observe the comely 
and blessed gospel order, so long known and in 
practice amongst us, in the spirit of meekness 
and of a sound mind, which is the way to crush 
all differences in their infancy, and suppress the 



DIFFERENCES AND DISPUTES 39 

rise as well as to stop the progress of every thing that 
is unseemly, and inconsistent with the testimony of 
the precious truth. 1699. 

Advised that a spitit of love and humility may 
more and more diffuse itself among us, and influ- 
ence the hearts of all, so that every one may come 
to seek peace and pursue it ; and that none be 
apt to take offence ; but each in his own particu- 
lar, be more careful to rectify his own failings 
and imperfections, than curious in observing, cen- 
suring, and aggravating, those of others. This 
will lead to the exercise of mutual forbearance 
and forgiveness one of another, by which the oc- 
casions of contention will be avoided, and the 
church preserved in a state of peace and tranquillity. 
1736. 



( 4C> ) 



DISCIPLINE— AND MEETINGS FOR 
DISCIPLINE. 



Advised, that the church's testimony and judg- 
ments against disorderly and scandalous walkers, 
as also the repentance and condemnation of the 
parties restored, be recorded in a distinct book, 
in the respective monthly and quarterly-meetings, 
for the clearing of truth, friends, and our holy 
profession ; to be produced and published by friends 
for that end and purpose, so far only as in God's 
heavenly wisdom they shall see needful. 

And it is also our advice, in the love of God, 
that after any friend's repentance and restoration, 
he abiding faithful in the truth that condemns the 
evil, none among you so remember his transgres- 
sion, as to cast it at him, or upbraid him with it ; 
for that is not according to the mercies of God. 
1675. 

Earnestly recommended, whatever your places 
and stations in the church may be, that in the 
most weighty and serious manner you often call 
to remembrance, in all humility of mind, what it 
was that brought us to be a people, and what is 
and will be that which will preserve us such : 



DISCIPLINE, tic. 41 

That the foundation on which a true Christian is 
built, is the spirit of Christ ; let this therefore direct 
you in all things, both respecting your private con- 
versation, and whatever you do for God in his 
church : This is the only true means to preserve you 
holy and blameless in the one, as well as serviceable 
and useful in the other ; in this every one will have 
a single regard to the service that comes before him, 
in monthly and quarterly meetings, without partiali- 
ty or respect of persons. 

" Hear the causes between your brethren, and 
judge righteously between every man and his 
brother, and the stranger that is with him : Ye 
shall not respect persons in judgment ; but you 
shall hear the small as well as the great : You 
shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the 
judgment is God's." Deut. i. 16, 17. And in 
the management of such affairs, they will find 
their own spirits rightly seasoned and prepared 
for every work and service to which they may be 
called ; and all disorderly proceedings, arising 
from the heat of our own spirits, will thereby be 
shut out ; and thus the church will be preserved, on 
her ancient, solid and permanent foundation, to 
the glory of God, and her own quiet and com- 
fort. 1726. 

And in order for the regular and easy proceed- 
ing in the service and discipline of the church, 
meetings have been by divine assistance, as above 
hinted, set up and established, servicable and sub- 
ordinate one unto another, as Preparative, con- 
sisting of friends belonging to one or more par- 
ticular meetings for worship : Monthlv, consisting 



42 DISCIPLINE AND 

of as many preparatives as may most usefully 
compose the same : Quarterly, to consist of as many 
monthly-meetings as are thought useful to constitute 
the same, to meet together once in three months : 
Yearly, consisting of all the quarterly-meetings in 
New-England [except Vermont,] to meet annually, 
in the sixth month, on Rhode Island, for a great 
and weighty oversight and Christian care of the 
affairs of the churches, pertaining to our holy 
profession and Christian communion ; that good or- 
der, true love, unity and concord, may be faithfully 
followed and maintained among all of us as a 
peculiar people, called and chosen out of the world, 
and the errors and corruptions thereof. — And as 
it hath been experienced, that in those meetings 
great comfort and satisfaction have been received 
and enjoyed, when the members have attended 
them in awe, humility and love, with no other 
view but the service of God, and the help and as- 
sistance one of another : this meeting doth there- 
fore, in brotherly love, exhort all friends carefully 
to gather in uprightness and singleness of heart, 
suitable to our calling, and the dignity of that 
power, which as we behave wisely and meekly, will 
preside and govern in all our meetings : This 
will divest us of partiality and stiffness of opin- 
ion, and all high thoughts of ourselves, and 
raise in us patience and condescension, accor- 
ding to that excellent admonition of our blessed 
Lord, that he that is greatest among you be your 
servant. 

Agreed that no quarterly-meeting be set up, 
divided into two. or discontinued, but by the 



MEETINGS FOR DISCIPLINE. 43 

yearly meeting ; no monthly-meeting, but by the 
quarterly ; ntf preparative, or meeting of worship, 
but by the monthly-meeting, which is the lowest 
meeting that has the right of disowning members. 
These meetings are to continue subordinate and 
accountable, thus : The preparative to the month- 
ly, the monthly to the quarterly, and the quarterly 
to the yearly-meeting ; so that if at any time the 
yearly-meeting be dissatisfied with the proceed- 
ings of any of the said meetings, or the quarter- 
ly meeting with the proceedings of any of the 
monthly-meetings, or the monthly-meeting with 
the proceedings of any of the preparative -meet- 
ings within its limits, such meetings ought with 
readiness and meekness to render a satisfactory ac- 
count accordingly ; and that our records be open 
to any of our meetings, particular members, and 
to such others as the respective monthly-meet- 
ings may think necessary, for the ascertaining of 
marriages, births, or other rights. 

That each monthly-meeting choose two or more 
sober and judicious men friends, and two or more 
women friends, to be overseers in each prepara- 
tive meeting, which overseers are to render ac- 
count of their service to the monthly-meeting at 
least once a quarter, and to be annually appoint- 
ed or re-chosen. 

That there be a sufficient number (at least two) 
of friends appointed by each monthly-meeting, as 
representatives to attend the service of the quar- 
terly-meeting to which they belong; such as are 
qualified for, and whose business it is to attend to 
the seasonable despatch and completion of the 



44 DISCIPLINE AND 

same ; they taking with them what may be spe- 
cially committed to them by the monthly-meeting, 
which should be in writing ; and in like manner, 
the quarterly-meeting is to appoint at least four 
representatives to the yearly-meeting, who are to 
make report to the meeting that appoints them, 
that full endeavors be used in every monthly- 
meeting to seasonably end all business or cases 
that come before them ; and where any such meet- 
ing needs assistance, to the due accomplishment 
thereof, they apply to superior meetings for their 
advice, assistance or determination therein, as the 
nature of the case may require ; and in like man- 
ner, after due care and endeavors are used, to end 
any matter before a quarterly- meeting, they apply 
to the next yearly-meeting. 

Let a necessary inquiry be raised in the minds 
of all the members of the church, who have had 
any part of the Lord's work upon them, how they 
have acquitted themselves therein and discharged 
themselves in the sight of God ; forasmuch as a 
day comes on apace, in which an account of our 
stewardship will be required at our hands. The 
discipline of the society, in some places at a low ebb, 
would again be revived and strengthened, if this 
awful sense of rendering an account of our trust, 
and the importance of being clear from the blood 
of all men, were enough impressed upon all minds. 
And dear friends, as it is the Lord's work, let it be 
done as in his sight. Let all our answers to the 
queries be plain and explicit. Let a due sense 
of the state of the church prevail on your minds, 
rather than an unwillingness to appear deficient 



MEETINGS FOR DICIPLINE. 45 

among jour brethren. May a suitable engagement 
of mind prevail on all the active members of the 
church, to acquit themselves with faithfulness, that 
they may at last receive the crown of righteousness 
which will never fade away. 1760. 

It is the judgment of this meeting, that no per- 
son that is out of unity with friends ; or under 
dealing of friends for any miscarriage, ought to 
be suffered to sit in meetings of business, nor their 
collections to be received, but be desired to with- 
draw from such meetings, until such time as they 
give satisfaction for such their miscarriage. 1706. 
Revived, 1822. 



( 46 ) 



DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS, 



As to subscriptions, collections and donations , 
for public uses, it is our sense and judgment, they 
ought to be taken and received from members of 
our society ; or, in their behalf, of such whose fam- 
ilies, or part thereof, are members, and no others : 
except such donations, &c. be made in and by a last 
will and testament. 



( 47 ) 



EDUCATION. 



Advised that friends who are in ability, and 
have the prosperity of truth at heart, would in the 
education of their children take care, as suitable 
opportunities and occasions may offer, to let them 
be instructed in some modern tongues, as French, 
High and Low Dutch, Danish, &c. that so when 
they are grown up, as it shall please the Lord to 
dispose and incline them, they may be of service 
to the church. 1737. 

As the right education of children, and the 
nurture of youth, are of very great consequence to 
them and to the succeeding generation, we pres- 
singly exhort all parents, and heads of families, 
to procure such useful learning for their children 
as their abilities will admit ; and to encourage 
them, as well by example as precept, to the fre- 
qnent reading of the Holy Scriptures ; and that 
they begin as early as possible to instil into their 
tender minds the principles of truth and virtue ; 
and instruct them in the nature and necessity of 
being born from above, without which, our Lord 
declared, no man shall see the kingdom of God ; 
and, in order hereunto, that they labor to bring 
them acquainted with the holy seed, which is 



48 EDUCATION. 

sown by the divine hand in every heart, for that 
gracious end ; that they may, through the Lord's 
blessing of such pious and paternal endeavors, be 
induced to place their affections upon it, and 
cleaving thereto in faithful obedience, come to ex- 
perience it to be unto them Christ within, the 
hope of their glory. 

The importance of an early instruction in the 
law of God, is set forth with peculiar strength, 
clearness and solemnity, in Deut. vi. 4 &c. — 
" Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. 
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all 
thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy 
might. And these words, which I command thee 
this day, shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt 
teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt 
talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and 
when thou walkest by the way, and when thou 
liest down, and when thou risest up." It is re- 
quisite also that restraint be added to instruction, 
it being much easier, as well as more prudent, to 
be exercised upon the first appearances of an in- 
clination to dangerous or hurtful liberties than 
afterwards ; for where children, through the pre- 
valence of fond affection, have been accustomed 
to improper indulgencies, when they are grown to 
such a dangerous degree of ripeness, that the exer- 
tion of authority hath become absolutely necessary, 
the strength of their passions, so habituated, hath 
often proved unconquerable, or very difficult to over- 
come, to the great hurt of the unhappy youth, and 
the unspeakable grief of the imprudently indulgent 
parents. 1760. 



( 49 ) 



FAMILIES, 



Forasmuch as a godly care is growing among 
friends in many places, that all things which are 
unsavory and hurtful may be removed, so that all 
who profess the precious truth with us, may come 
up together in the good order of the gospel, for 
the furthering of which, and encouraging thereto, 
it is recommended that weighty and sensible 
friends, of unblameable conversation, be chosen 
in the wisdom of God to visit the families of 
friends in his love ; and they are desired to advise 
and admonish, in the peaceable spirit of truth, as 
occasion may offer. 1708. 

And we beseech you, brethren, let the tender 
advice of such as shall undertake so brotherly an 
office meet with a kind and open reception, that in 
the mutual giving and receiving of wholesome 
counsel and advice, you may co-operate to the help 
and furtherance of each other's faith, and the reviv- 
ing our ancient Christian testimony. 1752. 

Let the Christian duty of visiting the sick be 
timely remembered and practiced, it having often 
9 



50 FAMILIES 

left comfort, ease and sweetness upon the spirits of 
many to their very end. 1710. 

A weighty concern being livingly impressed on 
our minds in this meeting, that good service may 
arise from visiting the families of our brethren, by 
rightly concerned friends, we are engaged to re- 
commend it to the sensible members of the body, 
and to monthly and quarterly-meetings, to feel 
deeply after the pointings of truth; and that as 
this divine principle opens their way, they may 
promote this useful service in their respective meet- 
ings, by appointing suitable friends, of either or 
both sexes, who are desired to proceed therein in 
the love of the gospel, and under the tendering in- 
fluence thereof; which we have good cause to hope 
may thus be attended with beneficial effects to the 
visited, and with solid satisfaction, and additional 
experience in the work of truth, to those who may 
be engaged therein. 1773. 



( 61 ) 



FREE-MASONS, 



As to the consistency of the members of our 
society joining themselves in the meetings or pub- 
lic entertainments of those called free-masons, we 
have deliberated upon, and, according to our pre- 
sent judgment, think it not consistent with our 
religious profession ; and advise that quarterly and 
monthly-meetings dissuade their members there- 
from : and if any do join therewith, contrary to the 
advice herein contained, that they be dealt with. 



( «z ) 



GAMING AND DIVERSIONS. 



As our time passeth swiftly away, and our delight 
ought to be in the law of the Lord ; it is advised 
that a watchful care be exercised over our youth, 
to prevent their going to stage-plays, horse-races, 
music, dancing, or any such vain sports and pas- 
times, and being concerned in lotteries, wagering, 
or other species of gaming. And if any of our 
members fall into either of these practices, and can- 
not be prevailed upon, by private labor, to decline 
them, the monthly-meeting to which such belong, 
should be informed thereof, and if they be not re- 
claimed by further labor, proceed to testify our dis- 
unity with, them. 



( 68 ) 



HIRELING MINISTRY, AND THEIR 
WORSHIP-HOUSES. 



Our ancient testimony against an hireling minis- 
try, or any contributions to the maintenance and 
support thereof, being founded on the example and 
precepts of our Lord, and his primitive followers 
and disciples ; it is the sense of this meeting, that 
friends be careful to support the same, by a faithful 
testimony against contributing towards their salaries, 
by tax or otherwise, and against the building or re- 
pairing their meeting houses. 



( 54 ) 



LAW. 



Whereas some persons professing with us, have 
proved so base and unworthy, as when they have 
run themselves into debt, to remove themselves or 
their effects, to prevent justice; whereby those 
creditors, who are friends, have been deprived of an 
opportunity of the common method of friends, speci- 
fied in the minute of 1697, respecting arbitrations ; 
it is hereby declared, that the last paragraph of 
said minute, which prohibits friends to sue or 
arrest one another, is not intended to prevent such 
evil persons in those practices from being dealt 
with by a legal process, as the nature of the case 
may require : Of which circumstance the monthly 
and quarterly-meetings are the proper judges ; 
so it is not doubted but they will do justice to 
the parties concerned therein. And this meeting 
doth request every monthly-meeting to appoint 
and depute proper persons out of their several 
meetings, for such friends as have occasion, to 
advise with, in the intervals of monthly-meetings, 
and if they see cause, to give liberty to recover as 
above, 1720. 



LAW 55 

And as it may happen that by sudden losses or 
unforseen accidents, or otherwise, a friend may 
be reduced, and unable to pay all just debts, and 
his creditors falling suddenly upon him by suits or 
attachments, foreclose a due proportion of a just 
debt due to a friend, if the advice specified in the 
minute of 1697, respecting arbitrations, be strictly 
attended to ; it is therefore to be understood, that in 
all such sudden or extraordinary occasions, friends 
are left to their liberty to secure their just debts in a 
legal manner ; provided they, in all cases, submit 
the attachment to come into a general average, 
upon a just settlement with all the other equitable 
demands, and to receive their dividends according 
to their demands with all the rest. 



( 56 ) 



LIBERALITY TO THE POOR. 



It is desired that such among friends as are en- 
dowed with plenty of outward substance, be timely 
and tenderly advised to do good therewith, in their 
day and generation, especially with regard to the 
poor ; that the tokens of your charity may commend 
your memorial, and be good precedents to genera- 
tions to come. 1696. 

We find ourselves at this time engaged to request, 
that where provisions and the necessaries of life 
are dear and scarce, or sickness doth remarkably af- 
flict, friends would in proportion to such scarcity 
and affliction, exert their charitable assistance to the 
poor, which is our christian duty, as stewards of the 
mercies wherewith the Lord has intrusted us. 
1729. 

" Let your moderation be known unto all men." 
^ Warn those that are rich in this world, that they 
trust not in uncertain riches," nor apply them to the 
indulging their appetites in pleasure and vanity ; 
but that they be " ready to do good, and to commu- 
nicate" to the relief of those who are in neces- 
sity. 

The principal if not the only satisfaction a man of a 
truly Christian disposition can have, in the affluence 
and increase of the things of this world, must arise 
from the opportunities put into his hands, and the 
doing: sood therewith. 1741. 



( 57 ) 



LOVE AND UNITY. 



It is our earnest desire, that above all, friends 
hold fervent charity in the body, that will keep 
the members together in a blessed concord and 
communion, which is esteemed by the apostle the 
more excellent way, excelling other gifts, which 
pass away ; but charity, that is the love of God 
(from which our Christian and brotherly affection 
springs) shall endure forever : This envieth not, 
vaunteth not, boasteth not itself, and seeketh not 
its own ; but is patient, beareth all things, suffer- 
eth all things, and watcheth not with an evil eye, 
no, nor thinketh ill, but is kind ; in which blessed 
love, dear friends, hold your fellowship one with 
another, which was the character of the primitive 
Christians. 1705. 

Among the gospel precepts, we find not any 
thing more strongly and frequently recommended 
by our Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles, to the 
primitive believers, than that they should love one 
another : And as we are sensible, that nothing 
will contribute more to the peace and prosperity 
of the church, than a due regard to this advice, so 
we earnestly desire that it may be the care and 
concern of all friends every where, to dwell there- 
10 



58 LOVE AND UNITY. 

in, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to maintain 
love, concord and peace, in and among all the 
churches of Christ. 1730. 

By accounts received, it appears that, in gen- 
eral, love and concord are maintained, and that 
friends in divers places are under an earnest con- 
cern for the promotion of peace, and for the sup- 
pressing and guarding against every occasion of 
strife and discord, tending to divide and scatter 
the flock of Christ : For strengthening this con- 
cern, and promoting this Christian disposition ot 
love, wheresoever it appears, we remind you of 
the benefits thereof, expressed in Psalm cxxxiii. 
" Behold how good and how pleasant it is for 
brethren to dwell together in unity ! As the dew 
of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon 
the mountains of Zion : for there the Lord com- 
manded the blessing, even life for evermore." 
Be ye also mindful of the saying of our blessed 
Lord himself, John xiii. 35 ; " By this shall all men 
know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one 
to another." 1752. 



( 59 ) 



MARRIAGE. 



It is advised, that parents exercise a religious 
care in watching over their children and endeavor 
to guard them against improper or unequal connec- 
tions in marriage ; that they be not anxious to ob- 
tain for them large portions and settlements, but 
that they be joined with persons of religious inclina- 
tions, suitable dispositions, and diligence in their 
business, which are necessary to a comfortable life 
in a married state. 

And it is particularly recommended to all parents, 
to endeavor to cultivate such habits of confidence 
and freedom in the truth, with their children, as 
may render it easy for them early to consult their 
parents in such important concerns. 

It is advised, that all young and unmarried per- 
sons in membership with us, previously to their 
making any proceedure in order to marriage, do se- 
riously and humbly wait upon the Lord for his coun- 
sel and direction in this important concern, and 
when favored with satisfactory clearness therein, 
they should early acquaint their parents or guar- 
dians with their intentions, and wait for their con- 



60 MARRIAGE. 

sent ; thus preservation from the dangerous bias of 
forward, brittle and uncertain affections, would be 
experienced, to the real benefit of the parties, and 
the comfort of their friends. 

And it is earnestly recommended to friends, that 
they tenderly and carefully watch over the youth, 
and extend seasonable caution and admonition, as 
occasion may require. 

The breaches of our testimony in going from 
amongst us, in the weighty engagement of mar- 
riage, being often for want of due care in parents, 
and those who have the important charge of educa- 
ting the youth under their trust, early to admonish 
and instruct them in the principles of truth, and im- 
press their minds with the duty of religiously observ- 
ing them ; as much as possible restraining them from 
such company as is likely to entangle their affec- 
tions in an improper manner ; we therefore tenderly 
advise friends to an increasing care over the youth, 
that the consistency of our principles in all respects 
with the nature of true religion, may be impressed 
upon their tender minds, by upright examples, as 
well as by precepts ; and that where there is appa- 
rent danger of the affections of any being improper- 
ly entangled, and the care of parents and guardians, 
or those who have the oversight, appears not suf- 
ficient to prevent their taking imprudent steps in the 
accomplishment of marriage, care be taken, timely 
to apply for the help of their friends. 

And it is further advised, that after parents and 
guardians have suffered their children to engage one 
another in affections, they do not break off upon 



MARRIAGE. 61 

any worldly account, but that they wait upon and 
seek the Lord for their children, in proposals of 
marriage, before they give any encouragement 
thereunto. 

It is agreed, that no monthly-meeting permit any 
marriages to be proposed in the said meeting, 
sooner than one year after the decease of former 
husband or wife ; and we think it most advisable, 
that no such proposals be made between the parties 
within that time. 

It is our sense and judgment, that not only those 
marriages of near kindred, expressly forbidden un- 
der the law, ought not to be practiced under the 
gospel ; but that we in our day ought not to take 
first cousins in marriage, being called to that spirit- 
ual dispensation which gives dominion over the 
affections, and leads to those marriages which are 
more natural, and of better report. And if any, not- 
withstanding, shall marry contrary to this rule, be- 
ing previously cautioned and advised against it, that 
the monthly-meeting where such belong give forth 
a testimony against them, and not receive such into 
unity again until they are well assured that they 
have found a place for repentance, and are received 
in the truth. 

The subject of marrying in the kindred by affin- 
ity* having been brought under the view of this 
meeting, received its solid and deliberate considera- 
tion ; and it is concluded that the construction of 
our yearly-meeting, as particularly defined in the 
year 1773, [namely, that our members be not allow- 
ed to marry a deceased wife's sister, or a deceased 



62 MARRIAGE. 

husband's brother,] shall hereafter be considered as 
the construction to be given to our present Disci- 
pline. 1830. 

The prudent and christian care that has been 
maintained amongst us, in relation to marriage, 
ever since we were a people, having obtained a 
good report, it is become afresh the concern of this 
meeting that the reputation of our religious society, 
and the cause of truth herein, may still be kept up ; 
and that not only the several weighty advices of this 
meeting, in respect to the proceedings of the par- 
ties concerned, and the conduct of their parents and 
guardians, may be observed, but likewise that as 
little diversity as may be, may appear amongst us, 
in regard to the form and manner of solemnization. 

For the accomplishment of marriage, it is advised, 
that the parties should inform the men's and wo- 
men's monthly-meeting to which the woman belongs, 
of their intentions, through the Preparative meeting, 
when convenient. And at a proper time they should 
make it known in both meetings, either by a written 
communication signed by both parties, or by verbal 
declaration, that " With Divine permission, and 
friends' approbation, they intend marriage with 
each other :" whereupon two friends in each meet- 
ing, (if both the parties belong to the same meet- 
ing,) should be appointed by minute to make the 
necessary inquiries respecting the clearness to pro- 
ceed in marriage, of the party or parties who shall 
be members of said monthly-meeting. If the par- 
ties have parents or guardians present, their consent 
should be expressed ; or if the man is a member of 
another monthly-meeting, the consent of his parents 



MARKIAGE. 63 

or guardians, if he have any, should be produced in 
writing, with a certificate from his monthly-meet- 
ing, of his clearness, either then or at the next meet- 
ing. If the woman be a widow, having children, 
two or more friends should be appointed, to see that 
the rights of her children are legally secured. At 
the next meeting, if the committees report that 
careful inquiry has been made, and that they have 
consent of parents, where it has not been before 
manifested, and the parties appear clear to proceed 
in marriage with each other, the meeting is to leave 
them at liberty to accomplish their marriage accord- 
ing to our rules, and appoint two friends of each 
sex, to attend and see that good order is observed, 
that a certificate be prepared, and after being signed 
by the parties at their marriage, be audibly read, 
and that a sufficient number of witnesses be thereto 
subscribed. It is further advised that the said mar- 
riage be accomplished decently, gravely, and weight- 
ily ; and that the parties themselves, their parents 
and others concerned, do take care at the houses or 
places where they go after the meeting is over, that 
all behave with becoming sobriety ; and the said 
overseers are to make report to the next mothly- 
meeting, and take care that the marriage certificate 
be recorded. 

It is advised to solemnize our marriages at the 
usual week-day meeting, to which the woman be- 
longs, or at the close of a monthly-meeting in a 
public meeting of men and women friends, unless 
circumstances may induce the monthly-meeting to 
permit it otherwise ; it being understood that the 



64 MARRIAGE. 

parties are to be present at the monthly-meeting 
when permission is granted them to consummate 
their marriage, if it be their intention to accomplish 
it at the close of said meeting. 

Monthly-meetings are at liberty, when they think 
any peculiarity of circumstances, of either of the 
parties proposing marriage, warrant a deviation from 
our general practice, to shorten the time of their 
receiving their answer, by adjourning a monthly- 
meeting ; having especial care, that the time for in- 
specting the clearness of the parties, be not less than 
two weeks from their making their proposals, and 
receiving the meeting's answer. 

FORM OF A MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE. 

[As near as circumstances will admit.] 

Whereas, A. B. of , son of D. and 

E. B. of , in the county of 

and state of ■ , and S. T. daughter of M. 

and M. T. of , in the county of 

have declared their intentions of taking each other 

in marriage, to monthly-meeting of the 

Society of Friends, held in , according to 

the good order used among them ; and their pro- 
ceedings, after due inquiry and deliberate considera- 
tion thereof, being allowed by the said meeting ; 
they appearing clear of all others, and having con- 
sent of parents (or guardians) concerned. 

Now these are to certify to all whom it may con- 
cern, that for the full accomplishing of their said 

intentions, this day of the month in 

the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred 
and , they, the said A. B. and S. T. appeared 



MARRIAGE. 65 

at a religious meeting of the aforesaid society in 

; and he the said A. B. taking the said S. 

T. by the hand, did openly declare as folio we th : 
" In the presence of this assembly I take this my 
friend S. T. to be my wife, promising, through Di- 
vine assistance, to be unto her a faithful and affec- 
tionate husband, until death shall separate us." — 
And the said S. T. did then and there declare in 
like manner as folio weth : " In the presence of this 
assembly 1 take this my friend A. B. to be my hus- 
band, promising, through Divne assistance, to be 
unto him a faithful and affectionate wife, until death 
shall separate us." Or words of the like import. 

And the said A. B. and S. T. as a further confir- 
mation thereof, have hereunto set their hands : She, 
after the custom of marriage, adopting the name of 
her husband. 

A. B. 
S. B. 



And wo, whose names are hereunto subscribed, 
being present at the solemnization of their 
said marri?g-e, have sei our hands as witnesses 
thereunto, the day and year above written. 



Agreed that it be recommended, that according 
to the ancient practice among friends, they take 
care that such men and women friends as do make 
suit or concern themselves in proposals of marriage, 
one to the other, do not dwell in the same house, 
from the time they begin to be concerned, until 
their marriage. 

11 



66 • MARRIAGE. 

This meeting having deliberately considered the 
great exercise brought upon our society, by divers 
in profession with us, who are joined in marriage 
contrary to our known principles, and the whole- 
some discipline established among us, with persons 
either of our own or other persuasions, doth earnestly 
advise that all friends use their utmost endeavors to 
prevent such marriages, whensoever the parties' in- 
clinations may come to their knowledge. 

And it is the sense and judgment of this meet- 
ing, that where any do marry, contrary to the estab- 
lished rules of the society, they should be dealt with 
in a spirit of Christian love and tenderness, agreea- 
ble to our known discipline. 

Monthly-meetings are authorized, if the case re- 
quire it, to disown such parents or guardians, as 
encourage the marriages of their children and those 
under their care (members of our religious society) 
contrary to the good order established amongst us, 
if after Christian and brotherly labor with them, 
they cannot be brought to a due sense of their error, 
and a satisfactory acknowledgement of the same. 

We also recommend the good order of friends re- 
lating to marriage, that it be carefully preserved and 
duly maintained in the first and earliest proceedings 
leading thereunto, as well as the orderly solemniza- 
tion thereof ; and if any persons, contrary to the re- 
peated advice and established order of friends, shall, 
under any pretence whatsoever, presume to take 
one another in any meeting for worship, without 
the consent of the monthly-meeting to which they 
belong, such proceeding being of a clandestine na- 



MARRIAGE. 67 

ture, tending to make void the just care of friends 
in that case, we advise that the monthly-meeting do 
not fail to testify against the practice, as well as 
against the persons concerned therein. 1730. 



( 68 ) 



MASTERS, MISTRESSES, AND SERVANTS. 



Advised, that servants professing the truth be- 
have themselves in due subjection, humility and 
plainness, as becomes their profession and places : 
And likewise, that masters and mistresses behave 
themselves toward their servants according to the 
apostle's direction. Eph. vi. 5, 6, 9. Col. iv, 1. 
1 Tim. vi. 1, 2. Titus ii. 9, 10. I Pet. ii. 18, 
19, 20. 1703. 

A religious care is recommended toward our 
servants, that all appearance of pride, idleness 
and vain conversation, in them, may be discour- 
aged ; and that they may be exhorted to attend 
first and week-day meetings, and have a sense of 
God's love upon their spirits, and therein partake 
with us of the sweetness of truth ; and in the dis- 
charge of their duty to God, and to their masters 
and mistresses, know peace in themselves. 1718. 

And it is further advised, that all parents and 
masters of families do use their utmost care and 
endeavors to keep their youth duly to meetings, 
and to prevent the indecent straggling abroad of 
their children and servants, especially on the first 
days, and other times allowed them to attend meet- 
ings, and to keep them out of all tumultuous crowds 
or gatherings of rude people. 1726. 



( 69 ) 



MEETING-HOUSES. 



Advised, that friends, in the several quarterly 
and monthly-meetings, take special care that the ti- 
tles of friends' meeting-houses and burial-grounds 
be made secure, according to law. 1703. 

It having been represented to us, that in divers 
parts losses have been sustained by our society, by 
not timely looking into and securing the titles of 
meeting-houses, burial-grounds, and charitable be- 
quests ; we have to recommend to quarterly and 
monthly-meetings, to make timely and careful in- 
spection into what hands and trusts the same are se- 
cured ; and if they find occasion, by the death of 
any friend or otherwise, to add some others to the 
trust, or make any alteration, so that friends may 
not be deprived of the benefit of such meeting- 
houses, burial-grounds, and charitable bequests ; 
and that the quarterly and monthly-meetings keep 
exact records of all such trusts and conveyances. 
1737. 



( ™ ) 



MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 



This meeting being under a weighty concern 
for friends who are or may be under sufferings and 
difficulties, on account of our religious testimony, 
doth appoint a meeting for sufferings, consisting of 
not less than twenty-five members, who are desired, 
with diligence, caution and due care, to proceed in 
such weighty matters as may come before them, 
humbly waiting for the influence of divine wisdom 
to direct their minds from time to time, so that their 
results may tend to their own peace, and welfare of 
our religious society. They are desired to take 
cognizance of all grievances arising amongst us, 
wherein any friend or friends may be affected in his 
person or property, or in regard to our Christian tes- 
timony, to advise, counsel and assist, as best wis- 
dom may direct : and any aggrieved friend or friends 
may apply to them, either in a collective or sep- 
parate capacity, as the circumstances of the case 
may require. 

That the said meeting view manuscripts pro- 
posed to be printed, and correspond with the 
meetings for sufferings or yearly-meetings of Lon- 
don, Philadelphia, or elsewhere, to represent the 



MEETING FOR SUFFERINGS. 71 

state of the affairs of friends here, or as occasion 
may require ; and in general to represent this 
meeting in all cases where the reputation and in- 
terest of truth and our religious society are con- 
cerned, provided they do not meddle with matters 
of faith and dicipline not already determined in 
the yearly-meeting : And that at least there be 
ten members present to constitute a meeting, who 
should concur on all occasions, and that in mat- 
ters of great importance notice be given, as far as 
may be to all the members. The said meeting 
is to draw on the treasury of this meeting in its 
recess, for the money lodged therein, from time 
to time as occasion may require ; being account- 
able for the same, and keeping records of all their 
proceedings, which are annually to be laid before 
this meeting, or such committee as it may appoint 
to inspect or view the same. 1775, 1776, 1783. 



( 72 ) 



MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 



As it hath been our care and practice from the 
beginning, that an open testimony for the Lord 
should be borne, and a public standard for truth 
and righteousness upheld in the power and spirit 
of God, by our open and known meetings, against 
the spirit of persecution, that in all ages hath sought 
to lay waste God's heritage ; and as only through 
faithfulness, constancy and patience, victory hath 
been and is obtained ; so it is our advice and judg- 
ment, that all friends gathered in the name of Je- 
sus, keep up these public testimonies in their re- 
spective places, and not decline, forsake or remove 
their public assemblies, because of times of suf- 
ferings, as worldly, fearful and politic professors 
have done, because of informers and the like per- 
secutors ; for such practices are not consistent with 
the nobility of truth, and therefore not to be 
owned in the church of Christ. 1675. 

Let every one be watchful against an earthly 
spirit, for that will choke the good seed, and bring 
forth a slighting or neglecting your testimony in 
your first-day and week-day meetings, and bring 
a decay of your strength and zeal for God, and 
his truth, and bring a weakness upon you, by 
reason whereof you will not be able to stand in an 
hour of temptation. 1689. 



MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 73 

Agreed that friends that live distant from meet- 
ings be reminded to keep meetings in their fami- 
lies, to wait upon God, that their children and 
families may come to be seasoned in their spirits by 
the truth and the Lord's power, and that they may 
have his blessing upon their families. 1696. 

Advised that all friends be careful to attend 
meetings for worship and business, at the times and 
hours appointed, and not to detain meetings out of 
season. 1715. 

Advised that friends keep their children to a 
constant, seasonable and orderly frequenting, as 
well of week-day as of first-day meetings, instruct- 
ing them to have their minds stayed in the divine 
gift, to wait upon the Lord therein, to receive a 
portion of his spiritual favor ; that they, from the 
tendering virtue of the Holy Spirit, may be en- 
gaged in heart and mind to walk worthy of so great 
a grace, and in a holy zeal to honor God, submit to 
bear the cross, endure the shame, and become pub- 
lic witnesses for him amongst the sons of men. 
1723. 

And we earnestly exhort that you hold fast the 
profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, with- 
out wavering, both in respect to his outward com- 
ing in the flesh, his sufferings, death, resurrection, 
ascension, mediation and intercession at the right 
hand of the Father : and to the inward manifes- 
tation of his grace and Holy Spirit in our hearts, 
powerfully working in the soul of man, to the sub- 
duing of every evil affection and lust, and to the 
purifying of our consciences from dead works, to 
serve the living God ; that through the virtue and 
12 



74 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 

efficacy of this most holy faith, ye may become 
strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, 
which will enable you to worship God in spirit 
with acceptance, and preserve you in a lively 
frame of mind, from a drowsy and lukewarm spir- 
it, which in all our religious assemblies, ought to be 
guarded against with the utmost care and circum- 
spection. In this lively faith and pure life of Christ 
you will have victory over the world, over your de- 
sires after the grandeur and perishing things there- 
of, and over all corrupt customs and fashions, which 
are contrary to the purity of the gospel, and our 
ancient Christian testimony. 1736. 

The importance of steadfastly maintaining our 
ancient principles, respecting the doctrines of the 
Gospel, coming renewedly under our considera- 
tion, we earnestly recommend and enjoin upon 
quarterly and monthly - meetings, and upon all 
faithful friends, to be watchful over our members, 
as it regards the profession of their faith in our 
Lord Jesus Christ, both as to his outward coming 
in the flesh, wherein he tasted death for every 
man, and was the propitiatory sacrifice for our 
sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins 
of the whole world, suffering the just for the un- 
just, that we might be brought unto God through 
Him ; — and to his spiritual appearance in the 
heart, for " unto them that look for him. shall he 
appear the second time, without sin, unto salva- 
tion." And if in any instance there should be 
manifested any deviation from our Christian prin- 
ciples in these respects, that they proceed to la- 
bor with such in the spirit of meekness and wis- 



MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 75 

dom, endeavoring to bring them to a sense of their 
departure from our acknowledged principles, that if 
possible they may be restored to soundness of 
faith. And if there should be any who should per- 
sist in their errors, notwithstanding such labor in 
brotherly love, that our testimony be maintained by 
testifying against such. 1829. 

In all your religious meetings for the worship of 
Almighty God, let your minds be seasoned with 
an awful sense of real and true devotion, and be 
ye exemplary to the flock of Christ. Let the 
solemn gravity of your deportment be such as may 
demomstrate to others, that you are in earnest in 
the great duty of waiting upon and worshipping 
God in spirit ; that serious and tender-hearted in- 
quirers may be encouraged to come and partake 
in your assemblies of that inward and spiritual con- 
solation and refreshment, which the Lord is gra- 
ciously pleased to impart to the souls of such as 
are humbled in his sight, and approach his holy 
presence with reverence and fear. 1744. 

Take care, we beseech you, in this day of ease 
and liberty, lest a spirit of lukewarmness and in- 
differency prevail over you, to the stopping up the 
streams of the water of life, and rendering you 
like a barren heath in the desert, which know- 
eth not when good comes. We entreat you to be 
especially watchful in this behalf that an indolent 
and sluggish disposition appear not among you 
to the stumbling of such serious inquirers as may 
attend our meetings, in expectation of that life 
and power, which the observation of your indif- 
ference and unconcernedness may give them too 



76 MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 

just cause to suspect that ye yourselves are stran- 
gers to. 1741. 

Let not the smallness of your numbers discour- 
age you from constantly attending those meetings, 
inasmuch as the words of Christ remain unchange- 
ably true and steadfast, " Where two or three are 
gathered together in my name, there am I in the 
midst of them." Mat. xviii. 20. But it hath been 
justly observed, that where remissness and neglect 
of attending meetings for worship have prevailed, 
it hath been too often an inlet to further declen- 
sion, and such other undue liberties as truth and 
its guidance do by no means admit of. 

We therefore tenderly exhort such as, through 
fear of neglecting their temporal concerns, or other 
considerations, are kept from a due attendance of 
these meetings, seriously to consider that gracious 
promise left upon record : " Seek ye first the 
kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all 
these things shall be added unto you." Some of 
us have to testify, by blessed experience, that our 
affairs have not suffered by giving up our time, 
the few hours set apart for religious worship ; but 
on the contrary, our minds have been thereby great- 
ly strengthened to come up with propriety in the 
duties we owe to God, to our families, and to all 
mankind. 1758. 

As it hath pleased divine goodness clearly to 
manifest amongst us the way of life and salvation, 
and to instruct us where and how to wait for him, 
prize, we beseech you, these precious privileges ; 
keep all your meetings in the name of the Lord, 
and let your minds be established in a humble 



MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. 77 

waiting upon him with reverence and fear ; so 
shall strength be added to strength, and being 
more closely united to him, you will experience the 
indwelling of his blessed spirit. 1761. 

When gathered in your religious assemblies, be 
truly concerned to retire to the divine and heav- 
enly gift, which will minister to every state and 
condition though you may have no outward teach- 
ing, and will direct you to wait, without being 
restless or uneasy, till it be a proper time to break 
up your meeting with that decency and solemnity 
which should attend our minds in such service 
[1755] : And be not apt, as the manner of some 
is, at the close of your meetings, hastily to enter 
into discourses about the affairs of this life, much 
less the vain amusements thereof; a practice in- 
consistent with the Christian gravity which at 
such times ought, in a special manner, to season 
the minds of persons so lately assembled for the 
worship of God, in spirit and in truth. 1748. 

Persons professing with us, who absent them- 
selves from our religious meetings, either on the first 
or other days of the week, and disregard the re- 
peated advice and endeavors of friends to stir 
them up to this necessary duty, are to be dealt 
with by the monthly-meeting to which they be- 
long, even to disowning such, if the case requires 
it. 1770. 



( 78 ) 



MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND MEETING 
OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 



It is recommended that one or more faithful 
friend or friends, of either or both sexes, be ap- 
pointed out of each particular meeting as stand- 
ing elders by the monthly-meeting, whose duty is 
to help young ministers, and give advice to all 
others as occasion may require ; to encourage our 
youth and others in virtue, and in a reverent and 
early attention to and belief in the divine appear- 
ance and operation of the spirit of Christ in their 
own hearts, and in a venerable esteem of the 
Holy Scriptures, and a frequent reading and med- 
itating therein ; and to that plainness, moderation 
and simplicity, which is becoming our holy pro- 
fession ; to stir up those who are or may be defic- 
ient in the due attendance of our meetings, and in 
general to watch over the flock of Christ ; being 
themselves examples in faith, meekness and char- 
ity. 1709, 1728, 1760. 

As these are officers of the church at large, let 
the monthly-meeting, after they have approved 
such as they adjudge duly anointed and qualified 
for that service, acquaint the quarterly-meeting 
therewith, who after solidly waiting for their con- 
curring unity, and finding nothing to hinder, are 



MINISTERS AND ELDERS 79 

to minute the same, and acquaint the select-meet- 
ing thereof; who are also to enter the appoint- 
ment and concurrence on their minutes, and the 
friends so appointed may then sit in any of our 
meetings of ministers and elders. And informa- 
tion of such appointments is to be given by the 
quarterly and select-meetings, to their respective 
yearly-meetings, and their names when approved 
to be also entered on the yearly-meeting's record. 
And where any friend appearing in public ministry, 
whose conversation be clean and blameless, and 
the elders of the monthly-meeting he or she belongs 
to, are convinced that the Lord hath called them 
to that weighty work, after duly waiting for due 
proof thereof, they signify their unity with his or 
her gift in the ministry to the monthly-meeting, who 
after weightily feeling after the mind of truth there- 
in, and being united in approving him or her 
as a minister in the church, the same be entered 
and sent forward, in like manner as in the case of 
elders. 

The ministers and elders so approved, within 
the compass of each monthly-meeting (or where 
the quarterly-meeting should think best to unite 
the members of two or more meetings in one) 
meet by themselves once in three months, and 
after solidly waiting to feel their minds seasoned 
with the virtue of truth, are to proceed to read 
and consider the queries, and how their purport 
is answered by their members ; tenderly advising 
and assisting one another as the nature of the case 
may require ; and form such answers to the que- 
ries as are agreeable to their states, which are to 



80 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. AND 

be signed by their clerk, and two or more friends 
are to be appointed as representatives, who are 
to take the answers, and assembling together pre- 
vious to and at the place of holding the quarterly- 
meeting, do, with the assistance of other select 
members within the compass of each quarter, 
compose a select quarterly-meeting, where the 
queries are again to be read, and the state of the 
meeting inquired into, and such advice and assist- 
ance afforded the lower meetings thereto belong- 
ing, by advice or committees, as occasion may re- 
quire. And once a year preceding the yearly- 
meeting, general answers in writing to be drawn 
up and transmitted to the yearly select-meeting, 
by representatives to be appointed to attend the 
same ; where the state of all the several quarters 
and their members are to be attended to, and such 
help afforded, and in such way and manner, as 
they in the wisdom of truth may think proper, in 
subordination to our Christian discipline ; pre- 
serving records of their proceedings, and annually 
choosing or re-appointing a clerk, which the quar- 
terly and monthly select-meetings are all advised 
to do. 

And it is agreed, that the quarterly select-meet- 
ing be held the day before each quarterly-meet- 
ing, at the same place, at the eleventh hour ; * 
and that the yearly select meeting begin at New- 



* There are exceptions as to the hour in several of our quar- 
terly meetiDgs. 



MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 81 

port, the ninth hour, on the day before the yearly- 
meeting. 

This meeting desires that you, whom the Lord 
hath gifted with a public testimony for his name and 
truth, may be careful to attend to the motions of 
truth, and in it be diligent to visit the heritage of 
God in their meetings, and especially those least 
frequented. 1695. 

We farther entreat you, that in all your relig- 
ious meetings, appointed for the worship of Al- 
mighty God, you wait in humble reverence for the 
influence of the word of life ; be cautious not to 
move, in acts of devotion, in your own will ; set not 
forward self to work, but patiently attend and wait 
for the gift and enlivening power of the Divine 
Spirit, without which your performances will be un- 
acceptable, and like those of old, of which it was 
said, " Who hath required this at your hand ? " Isai- 
ah i. 12. 1742. 

As we are fully persuaded that the ministry of 
the gospel is not received of man, but by the rev- 
elation of Jesus Christ, according to that apostol- 
ical direction, " as every man hath received the 
gift, even so minister the same one to another, as 
good stewards of the manifold grace of God ; if 
any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of 
God ; if any man minister, let him do it as of the 
ability which God giveth, that God in all things 
may be glorified : And as this ministry is divine, 
the motives and inducements thereunto are per- 
fectly disinterested, and no way mercenary and 
lucrative, but concurrent with the precept Christ 
13 



82 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND 

gave to his apostles, and immediate followers, 
" Freely ye have received, freely give." 1771. 

Friends, in their respective meetings, are earn- 
estly desired and advised to use prudence and 
caution, so as not to be imposed upon by cheats, 
or impostors, pretending to ministry or otherwise ; 
and where there is a doubt or question concern- 
ing the ministry of any persons, in that case let 
such be called upon to shew what certificate they 
have ; and in general it is recommended to the 
monthly and quarterly-meetings, to see that friends 
who travel in the work of the ministry, do go in 
the unity of the meetings to which they belong, 
and with certificates therefrom ; and further, that 
it may become the tender care of the said meet- 
ings to watch over such as may be young in the 
ministry, to see that they walk humbly and wisely : 
That as on the one hand, nothing truly tending to 
the glory of God, and the edification of his church 
and people, may be discouraged ; so on the other, 
where any thing appears which may make advice 
necessary, that the elders of the church, both min- 
isters and others, do, in the wisdom of God, give 
their advice thereupon, with due regard to the state 
of weakness and childhood that such may be in. 
1720. 

And we do in much love caution those friends 
who are rightly concerned in the work of the 
ministry, to watch over their own spirits, and not 
to be over hasty or censorious in passing judg- 
ment respecting the state of those who hear them ; 
but to manifest that, in the exercise of their minis- 
try, they are led by the love of God ; and that their 



MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 83 

principal aim is, that they may be instrumental to 
administer spiritual consolation and strength to the 
churches where they come. 

Farther we earnestly exhort that none would 
offer to impose themselves as preachers, in any 
meeting of friends, who are not themselves faith- 
ful against the payment of priests' wages, and in 
observing the other branches of our Christian tes- 
timony. 1 745. 

We tenderly and with earnestness advise all 
friends, who travel in the work of the ministry, as 
well as others, that they not only shut their ears 
against all private information of persons and 
things, tending to the defamation of particular 
persons or families, and to stir up disputes and 
contentions in meetings for discipline ; but also 
to rebuke and reprove the person or persons, who 
shall attempt to prejudice their minds with any 
private information of that nature. 1752. 

The spirit of God being the foundation of all 
true knowledge and experience, both in ministers 
and hearers, we earnestly exhort that all would 
diligently wait upon and mind it : Ministers, in 
their public services especially, ought always to 
attend closely to their several and peculiar gifts, 
and minister the word faithfully as it is manifested 
and revealed to them ; observing a decent and 
modest behavior in the exercise of their ministry, 
and not entangling themselves with the affairs of 
this life, that they may the better answer the holy 
warfare in which they are engaged. And let the 
hearers be watchful over their own spirits, and not 
forwardly judge or censure the testimonies which 



84 MINISTERS AND ELDERS. AND 

may be delivered amongst them ; for if they be 
not very careful and diligent in attending upon the 
Lord in meetings, they are liable to mistake in 
the judgment they may pass on the ministry. 

Now this being a matter of great moment, for 
the preservation of love and concord in the 
churches ; and knowing the danger and ill con- 
sequences which attend a hasty and censorious 
judging of the ministry, we think it necessary to 
caution friends not to let their own spirits sway 
them, but let the spirit of God rule and reign in 
their hearts ; for this will preserve all in sweet- 
ness and tenderness one towards another : The 
due observance of which will be a great help to 
ministers in the discharge of their duty, and the 
service to which they are called. 

And we earnestly request, that the elders in 
monthly and quarterly-meetings would be ready 
to help and inform the weak, when suitable op- 
portunities present ; and that both ministers and 
hearers, pursuing one and the same end, namely, 
the glory of God, and the good and welfare one 
of another, the church may be edified, increase 
and flourish, to the consolation of the faithful. 

On the other hand, we advise ministers to have 
it very much at heart, to maintain a perfect har- 
mony and good understanding with the monthly- 
meetings to which they belong ; that as the said 
meetings may sometimes find themselves con- 
cerned to advise them, respecting their conduct 
in meetings, or otherwise, they shew themselves 
ready to hear and receive advice, as well as to teach 
and instruct. 



MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 85 

We further advise all monthly-meetings, to take 
great care in giving certificates to those who travel, 
to prevent the uneasiness which sometimes falls 
on the church, from a weak and unskilful ministry ; 
and let the elders, when they see occasion, advise 
ministers to be very prudent in their conduct, not 
as busy bodies, nor meddling with family or 
personal affairs, • in which they are not concerned, 
or required to be assisting ; that they be very ten- 
der of one another's reputation, and of that of 
friends among whom they travel ; neither giving 
ear to, nor spreading reports, tending to raise in 
the minds of others a lessening or disesteem of 
any of the brotherhood ; and as soon as their ser- 
vice in the ministry is over, that they return to 
their habitations, and there take a reasonable and 
prudent care of their own business, household and 
family. 1731. 

Our blessed Lord, just before his ascension, com- 
manded his disciples to wait at Jerusalem, till they 
were endued with power from on high ; knowing 
their inability, without the sensible feeling of that 
power, to speak in his name for the conversion 
of the nations. It was this power that enabled 
them to speak boldly in the name of Jesus. This 
alone that made them able ministers of Christ; 
whose preaching was not with enticing words of 
man's wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spi- 
rit, and with power. 

And seeing many of us have experienced much 
spiritual consolation, by waiting in silence and 
humbly depending upon the Lord alone, we ex- 
hort friends, that when met together for religious 



S6 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND 

worship, they labor to feel their minds abstracted 
from visible objects, into a true stillness and no- 
thingness of self; wherein the teachings of the 
Holy Spirit are witnessed by humble and contrite 
souls. 

In such a waiting state, you will have a true 
relish and savor of the ministry of those who are 
rightly concerned by the same spirit, to labor in 
word and doctrine among you. 1738. 

We earnestly caution and entreat all such 
among you as find themselves concerned, in Chris- 
tian love to exhort and admonish others, that 
they be especially careful of their own conduct : 
that by circumspect walking in all holiness of life 
and conversation, they may become living exam- 
ples of the purity and excellence of the advices 
they recommend. 1748. 

You that are elders and overseers in the church, 
and concerned in the maintainance of good order 
and preservation of discipline, keep your own 
hands clean, and garments unspotted, that you 
may rebuke with authority, and being clothed with 
the meekness and gentleness of the Lamb, may 
steadfastly persevere in the support of that testi- 
mony committed to you, that when the Great Shep- 
herd shall appear, you may come before him with 
reverent assurance, and receive the reward of 
u Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into 
the joy of thy Lord." 1753. 

As to the elders among you, and such whom 
God, having endued with knowledge and experi- 
ence of the cleansing operations of his Spirit, hath 
concerned to minister to others, let them adorn 



MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDEES. 87 

the doctrine of the gospel, by shewing, out of a 
good conversation, their works with meekness of 
wisdom : Such as these, being clothed with hu- 
mility, and exemplary to the flock whom they 
feed ; not by constraint, but willingly ; not for 
filthy lucre, but of a ready mind ; are worthy of 
double honor, and to be highly esteemed in the 
church of Christ. 1751. 

As the Lord is graciously pleased effectually to 
touch the hearts of many of the youth, and pre- 
pare them for the reception of his heavenly gifts, 
whereby many are called to the work of the min- 
istry ; and well knowing it is a due attention to 
the gift, and waiting for the heavenly power and 
life to discharge themselves therein, which has 
ever proved a blessing to the particular, and the 
churches in general ; we earnestly recommend, 
that the elders and sensible solid friends do w T atch 
over such in a holy concern for their and the 
churches' good ; that the weak and tender may 
be encouraged in a faithful discharge of their duty, 
and where a forward spirit appears, that would 
lead into many words out of the power and life, 
such may be properly admonished in the meekness 
of wisdom, that each may speak the language of 
truth, by the ability which the Lord only gives ; 
and that the monthly-meetings do not indulge any to 
travel and appoint meetings too soon, for many have 
been hurt thereby. 1753. 

We recommend the apostolic advice, " Lay 
hands on no man suddenly," for we have cause to 
believe, that injurious encouragement hath tend- 
ed to promote an unsound ministry in some places. 



88 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND 

It is therefore recommended, that the approved 
ministers and elders, in the several monthly-meet- 
ings, would tenderly advise those who come forth 
in public testimony, to wait patiently under a 
deep consideration of their state of infancy and 
childhood, without desiring to be introduced into 
the meeting of ministers and elders, until their 
fruits afford sufficient evidence of their qualifica- 
tions for so important a service, and they approv- 
ed of by the monthly and quarterly-meetings to 
which they belong ; that such young ministers be 
reported to their monthly and quarterly-meetings ; 
which, upon solid and deliberate consideration, may, 
as in the wisdom of truth shall seem meet, recom- 
mend them to the select-meeting of ministers and 
elders, in order to their becoming regular members 
of those meetings. 1773. 

Looking into the state of this part of the socie- 
ty, which stands in a more conspicuous point of 
view than the more private members, the necessi- 
ty of their being ensamples to the flock appears 
exceedingly great, particularly in a diligent at- 
tendance of all our meetings for solemn worship 
and the discipline of the church, and therein to 
be very deep and weighty in spirit, laboring with 
an ardor of soul suited to the occasion, for the 
arising of the ancient spring of life ; which of a 
truth is the crown of our assemblies, and the 
ground of our joy and rejoicing in him, and one 
in another : It being this alone which preserves 
living, fresh and active members in the church of 
Christ, who are enabled to communicate a degree 
of warmth to the rising youth, and those of less 



MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 89 

experience in this most necessary exercise ; not on- 
ly in word and doctrine, but also in silent, humble 
waiting on God, for the renewings of help day by 
day. 

That where it shall appear, upon due inspection 
made, that any members, shall or do neglect or 
omit the due attendance of their meetings for 
worship and discipline, through sloth, indolence, 
love of the world, lukewarmness in religion, or 
other insufficient cause, that each monthly-meeting 
take care, that all such be timely visited in love, 
and acquainted with the desire and mind of friends 
in that case, and admonished to faithfulness there- 
in. And if, notwithstanding the due Christian 
labor and admonition, he, she or they, shall 
continue in the said neglect or omission ; if a minis- 
ter, his or her public testimony be denied ; and if 
an elder, he or she be dismissed from that station. 
1770. 

Advised to have a godly care of judging or con- 
tradicting one another in public meetings, or shew- 
ing any marks or signs of division therein, among 
ministers or others ; it being of a very pernicious 
consequence to bring blame or contempt upon the 
ministry, and a great hurt to our youth and others. 
1716. 

This meeting taking under its serious con- 
sideration, the beauty and credit of keeping de- 
cency and good order in our meetings for worship, 
advises friends every where to avoid public oppo- 
sition to a minister, not disowned by the monthly 
or quarterly-meeting to which he or she shall be- 
14 



90 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND 

long, by keeping on their hats in time of prayer, or 
any other token of disunion. 

But if any person, pretending to be a minister, 
shall give cause of uneasiness or dissatisfaction to 
friends, in doctrine, behavior or conversation, the 
person so offending is to t be dealt with privately, in 
a gospel spirit and manner : If this shall not take ef- 
fect, then let complaint be made of such person to 
the monthly-meeting which he or she may belong 
to ; that proceeding thereon be had accordingly, and 
the affair settled with all possible expedition. 
1723. 

Where friends in any monthly-meeting are real- 
ly dissatisfied, or burthened with any that take 
upon them to preach among them, let them first 
be duly admonished in their own monthly-meeting, 
with the assistance of the faithful approved minis- 
ters, and elders of the same meeting, and adjacent 
meetings, if need be : and if afterwards they will 
persist to impose upon and burthen friends, then 
to be publicly testified against, where they so im- 
pose. 

If any one who has been a public minister or 
elder shall be guilty of such practices as may 
justly deserve public censure, and shall be disowned, 
and afterwards, upon tokens of repentance, be 
again admitted into membership ; such re-admission 
is not to be interpreted so as to give him or her the 
liberty of appearing as a public minister, or exerci- 
sing the office of an elder, until the monthly-meet- 
ing he or she belongs to shall judge the scandal given 
by such person is so far removed, as that such pub- 
lic appearance, or exercising the office of an elder. 



MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 91 

may not administer occasion of reproach, either from 
friends or others ; and in case they should shew 
themselves too forward in so appearing, the meeting 
to which they belong is desired to give them such 
advice as it shall see suitable to their circum- 
stance. 1737. 



A MEMORIAL 

Of some necessary advices recommended to Ministers, and in 
the love of the G-ospel to be communicated to the several 
Meetings of Ministers and Elders in the Yearly-Meeting, as 
caution and counsel. 

1. Against undue and restless behavior, under 
the ministry of any friend, whilst in the unity of 
the body. 

2. That all be cautious of using unnecessary 
preambles and laying too great stress on their 
testimony, by too positively asserting a divine mo- 
tion, and frequently repeating the same ; seeing no 
such pretensions will obtain credit, when it is 
not manifestly so ; and where it is, the baptizing 
power of truth, accompanying the words, is the 
best evidence. 

3. Against misquoting and misapplying the Holy 
Scriptures ; and it is desired that all those con- 
cerned be frequent in reading them. 

4. To be careful how they fall on disputed points 
in their testimony, and making such objections as 
they do not clearly answer ; and also against giv- 



92 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND 

ing repeated expectations of coming to a conclusion, 
recommending the people, &c. 

5. Against hurting meetings, towards the con- 
clusion, by unnecessary additions, when the meet- 
ing was left well before. 

6. Against unbecoming tones, sounds, gestures, 
and all affectation ; which are not agreeable to 
Christian gravity. 

7. Against undertaking or running into employ- 
ments they have no knowledge or experience of, 
without the concurrence and advice of friends, as 
some have done, to their own hurt, the injury of 
others, and the reproach of their religious profession ; 
but to employ themselves in business that they are 
acquainted with, to avoid an idle life. 

8. Not to speak against persons, or report 
things on hearsay ; but to treat with the parties con- 
cerned, and thereby prevent sowing discord. 

9. That their apparel, and the furniture of their 
houses, their tables, and way of living, may be 
with decency, moderation and temperance ; that 
they be good examples to others. 

10. Against men and women travelling togeth- 
er, as companions in service, to avoid all occa- 
sions of offence thereby. 

11. To beware of too much familiarity, tending 
to draw out the affections one of another to their 
hurt. 

12. That ministering friends be careful not to 
hurt one another's service in public meetings, but 
every one have a tender regard for others ; that 
nothing be offered with a view to popularity, but 
in humility and the fear of the Lord. 



MEETING OF MINISTEKS AND ELDERS. 93 

13. Against running, in their own wills, to dis- 
turb or interrupt any people in their worship ; or 
presuming to prophesy, in their own spirits, against 
any nation, city, town, people, or person. 

14. That ministers, when they travel in the ser- 
vice of truth, be careful not to make their visits 
burthensome, or the gospel chargeable. 

15. That none show or expose manuscripts, so 
as to give expectations of their being printed, be- 
fore they are approved by the meeting for suffer- 
ings. 

16. That ministers and elders be careful to 
keep their whole conversation unspotted, being 
examples of meekness, temperance, patience and 
charity. 

And lastly, as prayer and supplication to God is 
an especial part of his worship, it must be per- 
formed in spirit and in truth, with a right under- 
standing seasoned with grace : Therefore let min- 
isters be careful how and what they offer in pray- 
er, avoiding many words and repetitions, and 
not to run from supplication into declaration, as 
though the Lord wanted information : And let all 
be cautious of too often repeating the High and 
Holy Name, or his attributes, by a long conclu- 
sion ; neither let prayer be in a formal and cus- 
tomary way to conclude a meeting, without an aw- 
ful sense of divine assistance attending the mind. 
1703, 1755. 

Agreed that when public friends have a concern 
to travel on a religious visit, and appoint meetings 
out of the quarterly-meeting they belong to, or to 
attend the sittings of neighboring yearly-meetings 



94 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, AND 

or quarterly-meetings belonging thereunto, they 
seasonably communicate the same to the elders of 
their respective meetings, for their advice and 
concurrence, before they move it to the monthly- 
meeting, in order for a certificate. 

And when their concern extends to visiting the 
churches, within any other of the yearly-meetings 
on this continent, they proceed in like manner. 
And when the monthly-meeting has given its 
certificate, they acquaint the quarterly-meeting 
therewith, for its concurrence, which is to be 
first had, before the friend proceed. And when 
the concern extends to Europe, or beyond sea, 
as the most weighty, clear and deliberate evidence 
should be obtained in so important a service, in 
which the reputation of society may be more im- 
mediately concerned, it is therefore recommend- 
ed, that unless such considerations should pre- 
vent, as the quarterly and monthly- meeting may 
judge sufficient, the approbation of the yearly- 
meeting of ministers and elders should be like- 
wise obtained. 



MEETING OP MINISTERS AND ELDEKS. 95 
QUERIES 

Of the Yearly-Meeting of Ministers and Elders. 

1. Are ministers and elders careful to attend 
their meetings for divine worship, bringing their 
families with them ? Do they diligently attend 
meetings for discipline, encouraging such of their 
families to this duty as are suitable ? 

2. Are ministers, in the exercise of their gifts, 
careful to wait for divine ability, and thereby pre- 
served from being burthensome ? 

3. Are the lives and conversation of ministers 
and elders clean and blameless amongst men ? 
Are they in unity one with another, and with the 
meeting they belong to, harmoniously laboring to- 
gether for truth's honor ? 

4. Do they rule their own houses well, bringing 
up their families in plainness which truth requires, 
in dress, language, and true moderation ? And 
are they good examples in those respects them- 
selves ? 

5. Are they peace-makers in families, and in 
the church, careful to maintain the discipline, not 
to screen their own families therefrom, and to ad- 
minister justice as faithful servants ? 

It is agreed that none travel abroad as minis- 
ters, without being first recommended to and ac- 
cepted by the quarterly-meeting as such, and that 
none appoint meetings out of the limits of the 
quarterly-meeting they belong to, without a cer- 
tificate from the monthly-meeting or the concur- 
rence thereof. 



96 MINISTERS AND ELDERS, 

It is further earnestly and affectionately recom- 
mended, that ministers and elders watch over one 
another for good, to help those who are young in 
the ministry in the right line, discouraging forward 
spirits that run into words without life and power, 
advising against affectation of tones and gestures, 
and every thing that would hurt their service : yet 
encouraging the humble, careful traveller, speaking 
a word in season to them that are weary. And let 
all dwell in that which gives ability to labor success- 
fully in the church of Christ, adorning the doc- 
trine they deliver to others, being examples of the 
believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in 
spirit, in faith, and in purity. 



( 97 ) 



MONTHLY-MEETINGS. 



In the love of Christ we earnestly exhort you 
to watch diligently over the flock of God, and deal 
in due time, and in a spirit of Christian love and 
tenderness, with all such as walk disorderly amongst 
you, in order to reclaim and restore them by broth- 
erly counsel and admonition ; and when, after 
patient waiting, you find that your Christian la- 
bor of love hath not its desired effect, you neg- 
lect not to testify against and disown such persons, 
and thereby prevent the reproach and dishonor 
which may be brought upon our holy profession 
through their means, that the end and design of 
our wholesome discipline may be answered. 

We think it both unseasonable and dishonorable, 
when persons apply to monthly-meetings on ac- 
count of marriage, or for relief in case of neces- 
sity, or any similar occasion, then to object to 
them such offences as the meeting, through neg- 
lect of their own duty, have suffered long to pass 
by them unre proved and unnoticed. 1743. 

It is the ancient and constant sense of friends, 

that any person denied by a monthly-meeting, is 

adjudged as disowned by friends, and to stand 

and remain in that state, till by his repentance, 

15 



98 MONTHLY-MEETINGS. 

or by the reversal of such denial by a superior 
meeting, he is reconciled to friends, or reinstated 
in membership among them, with which this 
meeting hath unity, and therefore confirms the 
same. 1727. 

When a person commits an offence, as soon as 
it comes to the knowledge of the meeting wherein 
he resides, he not being a member thereof, that 
meeting shall acquaint the meeting of which he 
is a member therewith. 

The meeting of which he is a member shall 
then proceed to visit and deal with him, unless by 
reason of distance it be not convenient ; in which 
case they shall apply to the monthly-meeting in 
which the offender resides, * to act for them and 
visit him : and they shall report their proceedings 
to the meeting of which he is a member, which 
meeting shall receive his acknowledgment, or dis- 
own him, as in their judgment the case shall re- 
quire. 

If the offender remove, after dealing be com- 
menced, the meeting that had him under their 
care shall continue the same, if he be equally 
within their reach, or otherwise write to the meet- 
ing into the compass of which he is removed, 
which meeting shall proceed therein, and report 
to the meeting of which he is a member, who shall 
receive his acknowledgment or proceed to deny 
him as aforesaid. But if the monthly-meeting 
where the offence is committed judge the case to 
be of such a nature as to require their more speedy 
dealing and even disowning the offender, for the 
clearing of truth according to our ancient care 



MONTHLY-MEETINGS. 99 

and practice ; they are at liberty so to do, giving 
the meeting the offender did belong to as early no- 
tice thereof as they can. 1747, 1782. 

In case offenders shall remove to places not with- 
in the acknowledged limits of any monthly-meeting, 
it is agreed that they shall be under the care of 
the meeting to which they are the nearest situa- 
ted. 

If an offender cannot be found, after reasonable in- 
quiry, the meeting to which he belongs, on notice 
thereof, shall issue a testimony against him, if the 
nature of the case require it. 

Advised, that when persons who have been dis- 
owned, manifest a disposition to be again restored 
to unity with the society, they may inform the 
monthly- meeting who disowned them, their desire to 
be so restored, and it is left with the monthly-meet- 
ing, after mature consideration of the particular 
case, to determine upon the mode of restoration. 
And if by way of acknowledgment, it is advised 
not to read such publicly, unless it may appear to 
the monthly-meeting that our testimony will be lia- 
ble to suffer by the omission. 

When a disowned person removes from the verge 
of the monthly-meeting, of which he or she has 
been a member, and becomes concerned to be 
again united to the society, such person may make 
application to the monthly-meeting, within the 
compass of which he or she resides, giving informa- 
tion of their disownment, and by what monthly- 
meeting. The particular occasion of disownment, 
such monthly-meeting is not enjoined to require. 



100 MONTHLY-MEETINGS. 

But if upon noticing the application, the monthly- 
meeting believes in the sincerity of such individual, 
and finds nothing to prevent amongst them* inquiry 
must be made of the monthly-meeting by which the 
applicant has been disowned, concerning its con- 
sent to their reception of such person ; and after 
information therefrom, that nothing appears to 
obstruct, such applicant may be by them re- 
ceived. 

It is the judgment of this meeting, that no tes- 
timonies of denial be read in a public meeting, 
unless it shall appear to monthly-meetings that 
our testimony will be liable to suffer by such omis- 
sion. 

We recommend to friends in their several month- 
ly-meetings, to take especial care to appoint proper, 
prudent and judicious friends, to visit their brethren 
in their families, to inform, advise or admonish, pur- 
suant to former advices ; and that such friends labor 
faithfully, in a spirit of love, and in the meekness of 
wisdom, to convince the judgments of their respec- 
tive members of the necessity of their coming up 
with their brethren in practice, agreeable to our 
Christian principle ; that so the several branches of 
the testimony, which truth hath given our ancients 
and us to bear, may be maintained inviolate. 
1733, 1751. 

It is recommended, that the book of discipline 
be present in all our monthly, quarterly and year- 
ly-meetings, that the same may be consulted as oc- 
casion requires ; and as opportunity offers, such 
portions thereof be read in each monthly meet- 



MONTHLY-MEETINGS. 101 

ing, the women being present, as the elders, over- 
seers or other concerned friends, may from time 
to time think proper, for the instruction, help and 
furtherance of the young and rising generation, 
and such as may not otherwise be conversant or 
acquainted therewith. 



( 102 ) 



NEGROES AND SLAVES. 



1. It is the sense of this meeting, that the im- 
portation of Negroes from their native country and 
relations* is not a commendable nor allowable 
practice, and that practice is censured by this 
meeting. 1727. 

2. We fervently warn all in profession with us, 
that they be careful to avoid being any way con- 
cerned in reaping the unrighteous profits of that 
iniquitous practice of dealing in Negroes, and oth- 
er slaves ; whereby, in the original purchase, one 
man selleth another as he does the beast that per- 
ishes, without any better pretension to a property 
in him than that of superior force, in direct viola- 
tion of the gospel rule, which teaches every one 
to do as they would be done by, and to do good 
unto all ; being the reverse of that covetous dis- 
position, which furnishes encouragement to those 
poor ignorant people to perpetuate their savage 
wars, in order to supply the demands of this most 
unnatural traffic, whereby great numbers of man- 
kind, free by nature, are subjected to inextricable 
bondage ; and which hath often been observed to 

*This intended as slaves, or against their consent. 



NEGROES AND SLAVES. 103 

fill their possessors with haughtiness and tyranny, 
luxury and barbarity ; corrupting the minds and 
debasing the morals of their children, to the un- 
speakable prejudice of religion and virtue, and the 
exclusion of that Holy Spirit of universal love, 
meekness and charity, which is the unchangeable 
nature and the glory of true Christianity : We 
therefore can do no less than with the great- 
est earnestness impress it upon friends every 
where, that they endeavor to keep their hands 
clear of this unrighteous gain of oppression. 
1760. 

3. It is recommended to friends who have slaves 
in possession, to treat them with tenderness, im- 
press God's fear in their minds, promote their 
attending places of religious worship, and give 
those that are young, at least, so much learning 
that they may be capable of reading. 

4. It is our sense and judgment, that truth not 
only requires that the young, of capacity and abili- 
ty, but likewise the aged and impotent, and also 
all in a state of infancy and non-age among 
friends, be discharged and set free from a state of 
slavery ; that we do no more claim property in the 
human race, as we do in the brutes that perish. 
1773. 

Agreed that no friend import, or in any ways pur- 
chase, dispose of or hold mankind as slaves ; but 
that all those who have been held in a state of 
slavery be discharged therefrom ; that all those be 
used well who are under friends' care, and are 
not in circumstances, through non-age or incapac- 



104 NEGKOES AND SLAVES. 

ity, to minister to their own necessities ; and that 
they give those that are young such an education 
as becomes Christians, and encourage others in a 
religious and virtuous life. 1773, 1780. 



( 105 ) 



OATHS. 



Advised, that our Christian testimony be faithful- 
ly maintained against the burthen and imposition 
of oaths, according to the express prohibition of 
Christ, and also of the apostle James, viz. " Ye 
have heard that it hath been said by them of old 
time, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt per- 
form unto the Lord thine oaths : But I say unto 
you, Swear not at all : Neither by heaven ; for it 
is God's throne : Nor by the earth ; for it is his foot- 
stool : Neither by Jerusalem ; for it is the city of 
the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy 
head, because thou canst not make one hair white 
or black. But let your communication be, Yea, 
yea ; Nay, nay ; for whatsoever is more than these 
cometh of evil."— Mat. v. 33-37. 

" But above all things, my brethren, swear not ; 
neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by 
any other oath : but let your yea, be yea ; and your 
nay, nay ; lest ye fall into condemnation." James 
v. 12. 1693. 

Believing therefore as we do, that no argument 

can invalidate a prohibition thus clear and positive, 

we are bound religiously to regard it ; and whilst 

we feel gratitude for the continuance of that indul- 

16 



106 OATHS. 

gence, by which our affirmation is accepted, let us 
evince our sincerity in relation to this testimony, by 
faithfully maintaining it. 

And when any of our members, either in courts 
or elsewhere, violate it, either by taking or adminis- 
tering oaths, monthly-meetings are desired to extend 
brotherly labor towards them, and if they cannot be 
prevailed upon to give the necessary satisfaction, to 
testify their disunity with them. 

Agreed that oaths administered by judges, jus- 
tices, selectmen, town-councils, or other officers, 
who are under the care of friends, is a violation of 
our ancient testimony, and that such persons ought 
to be dealt with as offenders. Nor are such officers 
clear, who admit of clerks or others to administer 
oaths before them, when sitting in their office, un- 
less there be a number of others present, not of our 
society, sufficient to authorize the same. 1733. 



( 107 ) 



ORPHANS, WILLS, EXECUTORS, &c. 



Advised, that friends, in making their wills, have 
a strict regard to justice and equity, and be not 
actuated by caprice and prejudice, to the injury of 
those who may have a reasonable expectation from 
their kindred and near connexions ; nor carry any 
resentment, though occasion may have been given 
or taken, to the grave, remembering we all stand 
in need of mercy and forgiveness. Also, that none 
postpone making their wills to a sick bed ; an 
improper season to settle our outward affairs, in 
the painful struggles of nature, even if we should 
be favored with a clear understanding, which 
ought not to be diverted from a solemn consider- 
ation of the approaching awful period of life. 

Friends are earnestly recommended to employ 
persons capable, and of good repute, to write their 
wills ; as great inconvenience and loss, and some- 
times the ruin of families, hath happened through 
the unskilfulness of some who have taken upon 
them to write wills, being unqualified to act in an 
affair of such importance. And all friends, who 
may become executors or administrators, are ad- 
vised to make a full, clear and proper inventory 
of the estate and effects of the deceased, as soon 



108 ORPHANS, WILLS, EXECUTORS, &o. 

as may be after the interment ; as many difficul- 
ties and disputes have arisen for want of it, where 
it has been deferred. 1782. 

Recommended that friends, who have young 
children, do in their wills appoint faithful friends 
to be guardians to them till they arrive at a lawful 
age : That monthly-meetings take care that such 
guardians do discharge their trust with justice and 
uprightness ; and that orphans be admonished to 
be subject to the wills of their deceased parents, 
as the said meeting shall see cause. 1706. 

Executors and trustees, concerned in wills and 
settlements, are advised to take especial care that 
they faithfully discharge their respective trusts, 
according to the intent of the donors and testa- 
tors ; and that all charitable gifts, legacies, be- 
quests, and settlement of estates, by will or deed, 
intended and given for the use of the poor, the 
aged, the impotent, or putting poor friends' chil- 
dren to education or apprenticeships, may not be 
appropriated or converted to any other uses than 
such as the donors and testators have directed and 
enjoined by legal settlement, will or testamento 
1715. 



( 109 ) 



PARENTS AND GUARDIANS. 



We do entreat and desire all parents and gov- 
ernors of families, that ye diligently lay to heart 
your work and calling in your generation, for the 
Lord, and the charge committed to you ; not only 
in being good examples to the younger sort, but 
also to use your power in your own families in 
educating your children and servants, in modesty, 
sobriety, and in the fear of God, curbing the ex- 
travagant humor in the young ones, when it doth 
appear ; and not to indulge or allow of it : For 
you are set in your families as judges for God, and 
it is you that must give an account of the power 
committed to you. And when you see a liber- 
tine and wanton spirit appear in your children 
and servants, that lusteth after the vain customs 
and fashions of the world, either in habit or out- 
ward adorning, and craves your assistance and 
allowance, without which it cannot get forward 
while they are under your government ; Oh ! then 
look to yourselves, and discharge your trust for 
God, and for the good of their souls, exhorting in 
meekness, and commanding in wisdom ; that so 
you may minister and reach to the witness, and 
help them over their temptations in the authority 



110 PARENTS AND GUARDIANS. 

of God's power, and when they feel themselves 
helped and delivered, their souls will bless God for 
you, and you will reap the comfort of your labor. 
1688. 

We advise and exhort, that all masters of families, 
parents, guardians, and tutors of children, would 
frequently put in practice the calling together of 
their children and household, to wait upon the Lord 
in their families ; that receiving wisdom and coun- 
sel from him, they may be enabled seasonably to 
exhort and encourage them to walk in the way of 
the Lord ; to exercise themselves in reading the 
Holy Scriptures, and in observing the duties and 
precepts of holy living therein recommended ; ad- 
monishing them to keep to that plainness and sim- 
plicity in apparel, speech and behavior, which the 
spirit of truth led our forefathers into, and which 
becomes the humble, self-denying followers of the 
holy Jesus. 1748. 

It is our Christian and earnest advice and coun- 
sel to all friends concerned, (so far as they are 
able, or may be capable) to provide schoolmasters 
and mistresses, who are faithful friends, to teach 
and instruct their children ; and not to send them 
to such schools, where they are taught the corrupt 
ways, manners, fashions and language of the 
world, and of the heathen in their authors, and 
names of the heathenish gods and goddesses, 
e nding greatly to corrupt and alienate the minds 
of children into an averseness or opposition to the 
truth and the simplicity of it : But to take care 
that you train up your children in the good nur- 
ture, admonition and fear of the Lord, in that 



PARENTS AND GUARDIANS 1 1 1 

plainness and language which become truth. — 
And parents and masters, &c. to be good exam- 
ples to them in a sober and godly conversation, 
and plainness of speech : and not to use the word 
you, or ye, to a child or a servant, &c, nor suffer 
your substance to be bestowed on your children, 
to furnish them with such things as tend to pride, 
and to lift them up in vanity, or affect them with 
the vain fashions of the world. 1690. 

It being under consideration how friends 5 chil- 
dren might be disposed of, that are trained up in 
the way of truth, and fit to be put forth appren- 
tices ; it is the advice and counsel of friends, that 
special care be taken to put them apprentices to 
honest friends, that they may be preserved in the 
way of truth. 1697. 

And that friends of all degrees take due care to 
bring up their children in some useful and neces- 
sary employments, that they may not spend their 
precious time in idleness, which is of evil example, 
and tends much to their hurt. 1703. 

And it is agreed that none be placed out to any 
not of our society, unless some special circum- 
stance may induce the monthly-meeting to think 
it best; and when any parent or guardian thinks 
any such special circumstance do attend, they may 
lay the same before the monthly-meeting where 
they belong, who are to appoint a committee to 
examine, consider and report the same, and the 
meeting to advise accordingly as may appear best ; 
and it is agreed that no friend's child be placed 
out to any not of our society, without first having 
the approbation or consent of the monthly-meet- 



112 PARENTS AND GUARDIANS. 

ing where they belong ; and when any parents or 
guardians do act contrary thereto, they be dealt 
with as those who refuse the advice and disregard 
the unity of the body. 

And it is recommended to all friends who take 
apprentices, to seek for and give preference to 
our own members, and to be moderate in their 
terms, that the children of the poorer sort in an 
especial manner may be brought up to such trades 
and business as may, with the Lord's blessing on 
their prudence and industry, procure for them 
such a living as will be to their comfort and the 
reputation of society. 



( "3 ) 



PLAINNESS. 



It is also our concern to exhort all friends, both 
men and women, to watch against the growing sin 
of pride, and beware of adorning themselves in a 
manner disagreeable to the plainness and simplicity 
of the truth we make profession of. Oh ! that they 
would duly consider that severe reproof which the 
Lord, by the mouth of his prophet, pronounced 
against the haughty daughtors of Zion, Isaiah iii. 
where it describes even the particularities of their 
dressings and ornaments, so displeasing to the 
Lord, and drawing down his judgments upon 
them. If those things in that time were so offen- 
sive in the eyes of the Lord, how much more so 
are they now, in a people professing the plain- 
ness and simplicity which the gospel of Christ 
recommends ? 

" 1 will," saith the apostle Paul, " that women 
adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame- 
facedness and sobriety ; not with broidered hair, 
or gold, or pearls, or costly array ; but, which be- 
cometh women professing godliness, with good 
works." — 1 Tim. ii. 9, 10; where he plainly shew- 
eth that such adornings are contrary to the pro- 
fession of godliness. The apostle Peter also is 
17 



1 14 PLAINNESS. 

very full in his exhortations on this subject ; 
" Whose adorning," says he, " let it not be that 
outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wear- 
ing of gold, and of putting on of apparel ; but let it 
be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is 
not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and 
quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great 
price ; for after this manner, in the old time, the 
holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned 
themselves." 1 Pet. iii. 3, 4, 5 ; plainly intima- 
ting, that those who of old were holy, and did trust 
in God, placed not their delight in such ornaments. 
Oh, that ye would weigh and consider these things ! 
" Let your moderation be known unto all men, and 
grieve not the Holy Spirit of God ; but be ye fol- 
lowers of him, as dear children, walking circumspect- 
ly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, 
because the days are evil." 1739. 

Let not any such as degenerate, in these respects, 
excuse their own weakness, under a pretence of the 
misconduct of some, who have appeared outwardly 
plain ; an objection of very little weight : For did 
they rightly consider, they would clearly see, that the 
very reason why deceivers sometimes put on plain 
apparel, is because true men have been accustomed 
to wear it. 

We also tenderly advise, that friends take heed, 
especially those who should be exemplary to 
others under their care, that they exercise plain- 
ness of speech, without respect of persons, in all 
their converse among men ; and not baulk their 
testimony by a cowardly compliance, varying their 
language according to their company : A practice 



PLAINNESS 115 

of very ill example to our observing youth, and 
rendering those who use it contemptible, and 
looked upon as a kind of hypocrites, even by those 
with whom they so comply : Such a mean-spirited 
practice seems to be cautioned against by the 
apostle, when he advises, 1 Tim. " That the dea- 
cons be grave, not double-tongued ; " a caution 
plainly importing, that it is inconsistent with the 
gravity of the gospel. 1743. 

Where any do not keep themselves or their 
children, in moderation and plainness, in gesture, 
speech, apparel, and furniture of their houses ; or 
accustom themselves, or suffer their children, to 
use the corrupt and unscriptural language of < you ? 
to a single person ; or to call the days or months 
by the names given them by the heathen in honor 
to their idols, contrary to the ancient advices of 
friends, to which we refer: It is desired and ad- 
vised, that friends from time to time, as such 
things appear, be stirred up in the wisdom of 
truth, to take due and prudent care therein ; and 
if any, by continuing in such practices, reject the 
advice and labor of their friends, then let such 
cases be brought forward to the monthly-meeting, 
for further care and dealing, as may appear ne- 
cessary, for the support of our Christian testimony. 



( "6 ) 



POOR. 



With respect to the poor amongst us, it ought 
to be considered, that the poor, both parents and 
children, are of our family, and ought not to be 
turned off to any others for their support or edu- 
cation ; and although some may think the poor a 
burthen, yet be it remembered, when our poor are 
well provided for, and walk orderly, they are an 
ornament to our society ; and the rich should con- 
sider it is more blessed to give than to receive, 
and that he who giveth to the poor, lendeth to the 
Lord, who will repay. 1718. 

As mercy, compassion, and charity, are emi- 
nently required in this new covenant dispensation 
we are under; so, respecting the poor and indi- 
gent among us, and to see there be no beggar in 
our Israel, it is the advice of this meeting that all 
poor friends be taken due care of, and none of 
them sent to the town or parish to be relieved ; 
and that nothing be wanting for their necessary 
supply ; which has been according to our ancient 
practice and testimony. And it has long been of 
good report, that we have not only maintained our 
own poor, but also contributed our share to the 
poor of the respective towns and parishes wherein 
we dwell. 1720, 



POOR. 117 

Advised that where friends want ability in the 
world, their monthly and quarterly-meetings as- 
sist them, that the children of the poor may have 
due help of education, instruction, and necessary 
learning ; and that the children, both of the rich 
and the poor, may early be provided with useful 
employments, that they may not grow up in idle- 
ness, looseness and vice ; but that being seasoned 
with the truth, taught our holy self-denying way, 
and sanctified of God, they may become a repu- 
tation to our holy profession, the comfort of their 
honest parents, instrumental to the glory of God, 
and the good of the succeeding generations. — 
1709. 

And as one of the first and great causes which 
engaged our ancient friends to the orderly estab- 
lishing of our Christian discipline, was the care of 
the poor ; and as expenses must necessarily arise 
for their support and education, it is recommend- 
ed to each monthly-meeting of men and women 
friends, that they be open-hearted and liberal in 
their subscriptions for the supply of the poor ; 
and that a treasurer be appointed to receive the 
same, and open to each meeting of men and wo- 
men ; and two or more suitable frends, men and 
women, be annually appointed as overseers of the 
poor, whose business and duty it should be to vis- 
it, inspect and relieve them, as becometh the fol- 
lowers of Christ ; and that two or more friends 
be appointed to settle the treasurer's and over- 
seers' accounts. 



( H8 ) 



Q U A R T E R L Y -M E ETI NGS, 



When a quarterly-meeting hath come to a judg- 
ment respecting any difference, relative to any 
monthly-meeting belonging to them, and notified 
the same in writing to such monthly-meeting, 
the said monthly-meeting ought to submit to the 
judgment of the quarterly-meeting : but if such 
monthly-meeting shall not be satisfied therewith, 
then the monthly-meeting may appeal to the year- 
ly-meeting, against the judgment and determina- 
tion of the quarterly-meeting. 

And if a monthly-meeting shall refuse to take 
the advice and submit to the judgment of the 
quarterly-meeting, and notwithstanding will not 
appeal against the determination of the said meet- 
ing, to the yearly-meeting; in such case, the quar- 
terly-meeting shall be at liberty either to dissolve 
such monthly-meeting, or bring the affair before 
the next or succeeding yearly-meeting. 

And in case a quarterly-meeting shall dissolve 
a monthly-meeting, the dissolved monthly-meet- 
ing, or any part thereof, in the name of the said 
meeting, shall be at liberty to appeal to the next 
or succeeding yearly-meeting, against such disso- 
lution ; but if the dissolved monthly-meeting, or a 



QUARTERLY MEETINGS. 119 

part thereof in its behalf, shall not appeal to the 
yearly-meeting, the quarterly-meeting shall join the 
members of the said late monthly-meeting, to such 
other monthly-meetings as they may think most con- 
venient ; and until such time, shall take care that no 
inconvenience doth thereby ensue to the members of 
such dissolved meeting, respecting any branch of 
our discipline. 

And if any of the monthly-meetings, to which 
the quarterly-meeting shall join the whole or a 
part of the late monthly-meeting, do think them- 
selves aggrieved, they shall be at liberty to appeal 
against the quarterly-meeting to the yearly-meet- 
ing ; and until such appeal is heard and deter- 
mined, the friends added by the quarterly-meet- 
ing to them shall be deemed their members. — 
1743. 

All minutes and written epistles from the yearly- 
meeting are to be entered by the quarterly-meeting 
in fair books, properly kept, that all friends of 
the said quarter may have recourse to them, as oc- 
casion shall require. 1727. 

It is recommended to the several quarterly-meet- 
ings, that there be held a meeting for divine 
worship, on the first day of holding each quarter- 
ly-meeting, preceding their opening the business, 
according to the ancient and general practice of 
friends ; and that the several meetings be held as 
follows, viz. 

Rhode-Island quarter ; in the 8th month, at 
Portsmouth; 1 1th month, at Somerset; 2d month, 
at Providence ; and 5th month, at East Green- 
wich ; on the first fifth-day in the month, at each 



120 QUARTERLY-MEETINGS. 

place. Salem quarter, on the third fifth-day in the 
1st month, at Salem; on the fourth fifth-day in 
the 5th month at Seabrook ; on the third fifth-day 
in the 8th month, at Lynn ; and on the third fifth- 
day in the 10th month, at Weare. Sandwich quar- 
ter, on the first fifth-day in the month ; at New- 
Bedford, in the 4th and 12th months ; at Fal- 
mouth, in the 7th; and at Sandwich, in the 10th. 
Falmouth quarter, on the fifth-day before the first 
sixth-day in the month ; at Windham, in the 2d 
and 9th ; at Falmouth in the 6th ; and at Durham, 
in the 11th month. Smithfield quarter, on 
the second fifth-day in the month ; at Worcester, 
in the 2d ; at Northbridge, in the 5th ; at Bolton, 
in the 8th; and at Smithfield, in the 11th month. 
Vassalborough quarter, on the second sixth-day in 
the 2d, 9th and 11th months ; and the last sixth- 
day in the 5th month ; at Vassalborough, in the 
2d and 9th months ; and at East Vassalborough, in 
the 5th and 1 1 th months. Dover quarter, on the 
fourth fifth-day in the month ; at the upper meeting- 
house, in, Rochester, (Meaderborough) in the 1st; 
at Dover, in the 4th ; at Sandwich, in the 10th 
month ; and at North Berwick on sixth-day after 
the fourth fifth-day in the 8th month. Fairfield 
quarter, at Hallowell on fourth-day before the second 
sixth-day in the 2d and 9th months ; and at Fair- 
field on fourth-day before the last sixth-day in the 
5th month ; and at the same place on fourth-day 
before the second sixth-day in the 11th month. 

[Corrected 1 849.] 



( 121 ) 



QUERIES. 



It is the sense and judgment of this meeting, 
that it will tend to the benefit of the society, that 
the following queries be sent to the several quar- 
terly, monthly, and preparative-meetings. 

1. Are all meetings for religious worship and 
discipline duly attended ? Is the hour observed ? 
And are friends preserved from sleeping, or any 
other unbecoming behavior therein ? 

2. Are love and unity maintained among you ? 
Is detraction guarded against ? And where any 
differences arise, are endeavors used speedily to 
end them ? 

3. Are friends careful to bring up those under 
their direction in plainness of speech, behavior 
and apparel ? To restrain them from reading 
pernicious books, and from the corrupt conversa- 
tion of the world ? Are they good examples here- 
in themselves ? And are the Holy Scriptures fre- 
quently read in their families ? 

4. Are friends careful to avoid the use of spir- 
ituous liquors, except for medicine ? The unne- 
cessary frequenting of taverns, and places of pub- 
lic resort ? And to keep in true moderation and 
temperance, on the account of births, marriages, 
burials, and on other occasions ? 

18 



122 QUERIES. 

5. Are the circumstances of the poor, and such 
as appear likely to need assistance, duly inspect- 
ed, and their necessities relieved, or they assisted 
in such business as they are capable of ? Do their 
children freely partake of learning, to fit them for 
business ? And are they, and other friends' chil- 
dren, placed among friends ? 

6. Are parents and heads of families, with the 
young and unmarried, careful that all proceedings 
with respect to marriage be conformable to our 
discipline ? 

7. Do you maintain a faithful testimony against 
the payment of priests' wages, bearing arms, 
training or other military matters ? Against be- 
ing concerned in property taken in war, buying or 
vending goods suspected to be run, and against 
making false entries, to evade the payment of du- 
ties ? 

8. Are friends careful to inspect their affairs 
and settle their accounts ? Are they punctual to 
their promises and just in the payment of their 
debts, and careful to live within the bounds of 
their circumstances ? 

9. Are friends careful to have all their marria- 
ges, births, deaths and burials duly recorded ? Are 
there any friends removed from or come amongst 
you, without certificates ? 

10. Do you take due care regularly to deal with 
all offenders, in the spirit of meekness and wis- 
dom, without partiality or unnecessary delay ? — 
And is judgment placed where it appears neces- 
sary, in the authority of truth, according to our 
Discipline ? 



QUERIES. 123 

And in the preparative and monthly-meetings, 
when all the foregoing queries are read and an- 
swered, the following advices are to be read, with a 
suitable pause between them. 

Advised, that persons who make or encourage 
proposals of marriage with each other, do early ob- 
tain the consent of their parents or guardians, and 
that none keep company with those who are not of our 
society, on that account. That no parents or guar- 
dians encourage their children thus keeping compa- 
ny or marrying, and that friends be careful to 
maintain our testimony faithfully against all disor- 
derly marriages. 

That all public gifts and legacies be strictly ap- 
plied to the uses intended by the donors ; or if any 
unforeseen occurrence should render such compli- 
ance difficult or impracticable, that an early applica- 
tion be made to the meeting for sufferings, for its 
advice or assistance ; and that timely care be taken 
for the renewal of trusts. 

That friends be careful to maintain our testimony 
faithfully against slavery. 



And in order to render the said queries more ef- 
fectual, it is directed that the answers be full and 
explicit, comprising the substance of every part of 
each query, in order that this meeting, being rightly 
informed of the state of the church in general, 
the needful advice and assistance may be duly ad- 
ministered. 1761. 



124 QUERIES. 

That to this purpose they be first read in the 
preparative-meetings preceding the quarterly-meet- 
ing, and distinct answers given in said meetings, 
to the first, second, and tenth, except previous to the 
Spring quarter, when all are to be answered ; 
and those answers carried to their respective 
monthly-meetings, where the queries are also to 
be read, and the answers aforesaid ; and those 
answers digested in each monthly-meeting, and 
sent from thence to the quarterly-meeting, where 
the queries are to be again read, and the answers 
thereto, which came from the monthly-meetings ; 
and a summary account made in the spring 
quarterly-meeting, comprehending the state there- 
of, founded on the answers to the queries, to be 
entered on their records, and transmitted to the 
yearly-meeting, and there read ; and a summary of 
the reports to be entered in the yearly-meeting 
book. 

And that the minutes and reports, which go from 
inferior to superior meetings, be signed by their res- 
pective clerks. 



( 125 ) 



RECORDS. 



It is concluded that there be entered on our 
records, beside the usual minutes of our proceed- 
ings, all the conclusions, advices and epistles, 
which go from hence, both with the meetings we 
correspond with abroad, and the quarterly-meetings ; 
and a summary account of the answers to the 
queries from the several quarters. 

And that quarterly- meetings record all epistles, 
advices and conclusions, received from this meet- 
ing ; a summary account of the state of the month- 
ly-meetings, from the answers to the queries once 
in the year ; and all their proceedings, conclusions 
and advices, whether by epistle or otherwise. 

And that monthly-meetings record, beside the 
usual minutes and conclusions, all epistles of ad- 
vice, and the conclusions of this and the quarterly- 
meeting they belong to ; marriage certificates, 
with the witnesses at large ; births, deaths, buri- 
als ; all papers of acknowledgment, and testimo- 
nies of denial ; all certificates of removal, from 
or to the meeting, and of friends that travel in the 
ministry ; letters of correspondence with other 



126 KECOEDS. 

meetings, and an account of all sufferings for our 
Christian testimony ; a copy of which account is 
to be sent up to the meeting for sufferings, and 
after being examined and approved, to be there 
also recorded ; and that all our books of record 
have proper alphabets, that recourse may be had 
more readily to any particular, when occasion re- 
quires. 



( 127 ) 



REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



It is advised that when friends are about to re- 
move from one monthly meeting to another, they 
first acquaint the monthly-meeting to which they 
belong thereof, in order for their brotherly advice 
and counsel in that respect. 

And where any so remove, they are to apply 
for, and if no objection appears against it, to have 
a certificate of their life, conversation and circum- 
stances, according to truth and justice, as they 
may deserve from the said meeting ; to be produc- 
ed to such monthly-meeting within whose limits 
they are going to reside ; and that such friend or 
friends shall from thence forward be deemed mem- 
bers of the meeting they so remove unto, except 
they were insolvent, or had been relieved by the 
meeting recommending, or some other meeting on 
their behalf, within the term of three years preced- 
ing the delivery of such certificate ; but if any 
friend or friends, who have delivered a certifi- 
cate, shall fall into necessitous circumstances, 
and shall ask and receive any relief within the 
above limited time of three years, not having con- 
tributed to the meeting they were recommend- 
ed to, such friend or friends shall then continue 



128 REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS. 

to belong to the meeting from whence they were 
recommended ; yet the meeting within the com- 
pass of which they reside shall assist and relieve 
them, and give notice thereof to the meeting which 
recommended them ; and upon that meeting's re- 
ceiving such notice, they shall immediately take 
the necessary care of them, and repay the charges 
the meeting to which they were recommended has 
been at on their account. 

And upon any friend's removing and neglecting 
to apply for a certificate, the monthly-meeting 
from which he removed is desired to recommend 
him without such application ; and if that should 
also be omitted for the space of three months, the 
monthly-meeting into which such friend is remov- 
ed, is at liberty to apply for a recommendation, 
and every monthly-meeting so applied to, is desired 
to comply with such application, where there is no 
sufficient cause of delay. 

And that no friend gain a settlement by mar- 
riage certificate, or other recommendation, unless 
a removal be expressed therein. 

It is recommended, that all certificates of re- 
moval, issued by our monthly-meetings, be signed 
by the clerks of both the men's and women's 
meetings. 1833. 



( 129 ) 



SALUTATIONS 



Friends are advised against a declension crept 
in among us by unbecoming gestures, in cringing 
and bowing the body by way of salutation, which 
ought not to be taught or countenanced. 1718. 

[See Plainness.] 



19 



( 130 ) 



SCHOOLS. 



Advised, that school-masters and mistresses, 
who are faithful friends, and well qualified, be en- 
couraged in all places where there may be need ; 
and that care be taken, that poor friends' children 
may freely partake of such education, as may tend 
to their benefit and advantage, in order to appren- 
ticeship. 1695. 

Quarterly and monthly-meetings are desired to 
take care, that in all places where schools are set 
up for teaching friends' children, the masters be 
diligent to improve and forward their scholars in 
learning, and to keep them out of everything that 
would corrupt good manners. 1697. 

It is the renewed concern of this meeting to re- 
commend a care for the offspring of such parents, 
whose earnings or income are so small, as to ren- 
der them incapable of giving their children a suita- 
ble and guarded education, and that especially 
from home, by which they may be prevented from 
mixing with others not of our religious persuasion, 
which so often leads into hurtful habits, from 
which they are not afterwards easily reclaimed; 
and as some of our members may incautiously 
permit their offspring to suffer this great loss, 






SCHOOLS. 131 

rather than apply for assistance from their month- 
ly-meetings, it is recommended to friends in every 
monthly-meeting to seek out such of their mem- 
bers as may be thus straitened, and administer to 
their help ; and it is desired that such will receive 
the salutary aid with a willing mind, and thank- 
fulness to the great author of all good. 1777. 

It is advised that each monthly-meeting appoint 
a solid, judicious committee, whose care should be 
to meet as often as occasion requires, and con- 
sult together, and assist friends in procuring 
friends to teach schools, and to advise and assist 
them in the regulation thereof and encourage 
friends to send their children to the same. 

And it is our advice, that no friends send their 
children to any other schools but such as are kept 
by members of our society and under the regula- 
tion of friends, without the particular circumstan- 
ces attending are such as the school-committees 
of the monthly-meetings may think it best ; and 
particularly the school-committees of friends every- 
where, throughout the yearly-meeting, are desired 
to pay special attention to give the poor of society 
such an education as may fit them for business. 



( 132 ) 



SCRIPTURES. 



Recommended, as an incumbent duty on friends, 
to cause their children to be frequent in reading 
the Holy Scriptures, and in observing to them the 
examples of such children as in Scripture are re- 
corded to have early learned the fear of the Lord, 
and harkened to his counsel : Instructing them 
in the fear and dread of the Lord ; planting upon 
their spirits impressions of reverence towards God, 
from whom they have their daily support ; shew 
ing them they ought not to offend him : but love, 
serve, and honor him in whose hand all blessings 
are. 1709. 

It is also seriously advised, that no friend suf- 
fer romances, play-books, or other vain and idle 
pamphlets, in their houses or families, which tend 
to corrupt the minds of youth ; but instead there- 
of, that they excite them to the reading the Holy 
Scriptures, and other religious books. — Let the 
Holy Scriptures be early taught our youth, dili- 
gently searched, and seriously read by friends, 
with due regard to the Holy Spirit from whence 
they came, and by which they are truly opened : 
For they contain excellent doctrine, rules and pre- 
cepts, divine and moral. 1720. 



SCRIPTURES. 133 

And dear friends, inasmuch as the Holy Scrip- 
tures are the external means of conveying and 
preserving to us, an account of the things most 
surely to be believed concerning the coming of 
our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh, and the fulfill- 
ing the prophecies relating thereto : we therefore 
recommend to all friends, especially elders in the 
church, and masters of families, that they would, 
both by example and advice, impress on the minds 
of the younger a reverent esteem of those sacred 
writings, and advise them to a frequent reading 
and meditating therein ; and that you would, at 
proper times and seasons, when you find your 
minds rightly disposed thereunto, give the youth 
to understand, that the same good experience of 
the work of sanctification, through the operations 
of the Spirit of God, which the Holy Scriptures 
plentifully bear testimony to, is to be witnessed 
by believers in all generations, as well as by those 
in the first stages of Christianity ; in which case 
some account of our own experience will be help- 
ful to them ; and this we recommend as the most 
effectual means of begetting and establishing in 
their minds, a firm belief of the Christian doc- 
trine in general, as well as the necessity of the 
aid and help of the operations of the Holy Spirit 
of God in the hearts of men in particular, con- 
tained in that most excellent book, the Bible ; 
and for the preserving them from being defiled 
with the many pernicious notions and principles, 
contrary to such sound doctrine, which are at this 
time industriously dispersed in this country, to 



134 SCRIPTURES. 

the reproach of the Christian profession in general. 
1728. 

And in order to render these advices more effec- 
tual, we further tenderly recommend to all heads of 
families, that they do frequently call their children 
and servants together ; and in a solemn way, audi- 
bly read, or cause to be read, the Holy Scriptures ; 
and in so doing that they humbly wait upon God 
with their families, for instruction and counsel to 
them respecting Christian faith and practice, accor- 
ding to the former advices of this meeting. 



( 135 ) 



SLEEPING IN OUR RELIGIOUS 
MEETINGS. 



Forasmuch as our religious meetings are to be 
attended for the honor and worship of our Al- 
mighty Creator, the promotion and enlargement 
of our own peace, and good example to others ; 
it is an incumbent duty of every member of our 
society reverently to attend them ; waiting for and 
obeying the measure of grace and light received ; 
such therefore who so far neglect their duty herein 
as to sleep, or by nodding or bowing the head, or 
other apparent signs of sleep, reproach them- 
selves, bring a burthen on the faithful, and dis- 
honor the truth, are to be treated tenderly with 
for their recovery ; and if, after due waiting and 
admonition in meekness and wisdom, any shall 
continue in so disreputable and dishonorable a 
practice, they be not employed nor active in any 
calling, business or appointment of society, until 
an overcoming be witnessed, to the satisfaction of 
the brethren : And if he or she be such as have 
usually sat facing the meeting, whether minister, 
elders or others, they withdraw from such seats, 
that their ill example and reproach may be les- 



136 SLEEPING. 

sened, and take their seats with the members at 
large, until they and friends are sensible of an 
overcoming. And, " Brethren, if a man be over- 
taken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such 
an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, 
lest thou also be tempted." Gal. vi. 1. 



( 137 ) 



SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS. 



The excessive use of spirituous liquors, of all 
kinds, having for a long time been seen by our 
society to be a practice tending to lead from calm- 
ness and innocency, to the many evils which are 
the consequences of intemperance ; and a concern 
having arisen for the spreading of this testimony, 
not only to the disuse of distilled spirituous liquors 
among us, except as a medicine, but that others al- 
so may by our example be encouraged to restrain 
its use within the limits of truth : We recommend 
to all friends every where, carefully to look at the 
motives of being concerned therewith, not only of 
using, but distilling, importing, trading in or hand- 
ing out to others, who from habit may have ac- 
quired a thirst and inclination after it, tending to 
their hurt. We tenderly advise all such as are 
concerned therein, to centre down to the principle 
leading to universal righteousuess ; and as we ap- 
prehend a continuance in such practices will, in 
this day of light, weaken the hands not only of 
those individuals concerned to further the reform- 
ation, but tend greatly to obstruct society from 
holding up a standard to this important testimony, 
as becometh our holy profession. 
20 



138 SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS. 

We entreat therefore those who have begun 
well, and made advances in the way towards their 
own peace, that as soon as may be, they forbear 
the said practices, that a line may in due time be 
drawn, and the standard raised and spread to the 
nations. 1784. 

It appearing, that notwithstanding the advice 
and entreaty of this meeting in 1784, and last 
year ; divers of our members have been so inat- 
tentive thereto as not yet to forbear the practice 
of importing, trading in, and handing out distilled 
spirituous liquors, to the weakening of their own 
hands, and obstructing society from holding up 
this important testimony as becometh our holy 
profession, and a fresh exercise arising, that this 
obstruction be removed ; it is recommended to 
monthly-meetings, that committees be appointed 
to labor with all such as may continue in either of 
said practices, or distilling, and endeavor to pre- 
vail with them to a cordial compliance with the 
advice of this meeting ; and if any should continue 
so disregardful of the unity of the body, as to coun- 
teract them in this important concern, it is recom- 
mended that they be dealt with, and if unreclaim- 
ed, testified against, as those who disregard the 
advice of their brethren. 1788. 



( 139 ) 



STOCK. 



Agreed, that a collection be occasionally made 
for defraying the expenses of society, and that it 
be lodged in the hands of a treasurer to be annually 
appointed, and subject to be drawn out for the ser- 
vice of truth, by the meeting for sufferings, who 
are to account for the same ; the treasurer's ac- 
counts to be audited annually by a committee, to 
be from time to time appointed for that pur- 
pose. 

The sums which may be thought necessary to be 
raised, is agreed to be proportioned to each quarter 
by their representatives present, from time to time ; 
and each quarterly-meeting is desired to be punc- 
tual in sending up the same accordingly. 



( 140 ) 



SUFFERINGS. 



Upon consideration of sufferings in general, it is 
advised that in cases of difficulty, and where friends 
who are sufferers stand in need of advice in any 
particular case, they send up their respective cases 
to the meeting for sufferings. 1682. 

That friends be careful of entangling themselves 
in law, because of some small irregularity in the 
proceeding ; but if the law be materially trans- 
gressed, and the severity of it exceeded by the per- 
secutor, that friends use their freedom, upon serious 
and good advice among themselves, so as the testi- 
mony of truth may be kept clear over all. 1676. 



( 141 ) 



TESTIMONIES AND MEMORIALS. 



It is recommended to the quarterly and monthly- 
meetings, to appoint suitable friends to collect me- 
morials of the living services and dying sayings of 
ministers, elders, and other friends, whose lives 
are remarkable for true piety and faithfulness ; 
with the time of their birth and death as near 
as may be, with a distinction between ministers, 
elders, and others, and where they lived ; and 
that such collections be inspected by each quarterly 
and monthly-meeting, and from thence sent up to 
this meeting, to be again inspected by a committee, 
and when approved by this meeting to be here re- 
corded. 1760. 

The subject of inspecting testimonies and me- 
morials of deceased friends, having claimed our at- 
tention, it is concluded that they have the inspec- 
tion of the meeting for sufferings, after receiving 
the approbation of the quarterly and monthly-meet- 
ings, previous to their being presented to this 
meeting. 1811. 



( 142 ) 



TRADE, 



Advised, that none launch into trading, and 
worldly business, beyond what they can manage 
honorably and with reputation ; so that they may 
keep their words with all men, that their yea may 
prove yea indeed, and their nay, nay ; for whatso- 
ever is otherwise cometh of evil ; and that they 
use few words in their dealings, lest they bring 
dishonor to God through their forwardness ; and 
such as make themselves guilty, by thus dishonor- 
ing God, and the holy profession of his name and 
truth, are for judgment, and the judgment of truth 
ought to be set over them, that those who walk 
and abide in the truth may be clear of their ini- 
quities. 1675, 1688. 

It is advised, and earnestly desired, that the 
payment of just debts be not delayed by any pro- 
fessing truth, beyond the time promised and agreed 
upon ; nor occasion given of complaint to those 
they deal with, by their backwardness of payment, 
where no time is limited ; nor any to overcharge 
themselves with too much trading, or with busi- 
ness beyond their capacities and abilities to man- 
age in the truth. 

It is the advice of this meeting, to the several 
quarterly- meeetings, that care may be taken, that 



TRADE 143 

substantial friends be appointed to visit every fam- 
ily amongst us, where they think there is occasion 
to suspect they are going backwards in their 
worldly estate, in a manner that may be r to the ill 
example of others, or prejudice of creditors ; and 
to inquire and see how things are with them, ad- 
vise them in tenderness according to our disci- 
pline ; and if they do not manifest a disposition to 
take such advice, and comply with it, then to give 
them gospel order, and proceed therein against 
them. 

And, dear friends, this meeting being under a 
holy care and deep concern, for the glory of God, 
the honor of our holy profession, and safety and 
growth of every member of the body ; doth advise 
and counsel all friends, for their own good, that 
they keep to such lawful and honest employments 
as they well understand, and are able to manage, 
for a necessary support of themselves and families ; 
and not to launch out beyond their abilities, es- 
pecially upon such credit as truth may have given 
them with their brethren or others, and more at 
their hazard who trust them than at their own, which 
is not only a dishonor to truth, but dishonest as 
men, and such cannot be owned in such things to 
have place in the body. 1710. 

Advised that such be dealt with as trade by sea 
or land, or buy, bargain or contract, beyond their 
abilities ; and such as keep not their words, pro- 
mises or engagements, in their dealings ; and do 
not pay or satisfy their just debts, according to 
time agreed on. These being a reproach to 
truth, and a manifest injury and injustice, advice 



144 TRADE. 

to all such should be speedily given, and if they do 
not reclaim, amend and duly answer, they are to be 
further proceeded against. 1719. 

It is earnestly desired, that all friends every 
where be very careful to avoid all inordinate pur- 
suits after the things of this world, by such ways 
and means as depend too much upon the uncer- 
tain probabilities of hazardous enterprizes ; but 
rather labor to content themselves with such a 
plain way and manner of living, as is most agree- 
able to the self-denying principle of truth which 
we profess, and which is most conducive to that 
tranquility of mind that is requisite to a religious 
conduct through this troublesome world. 1724. 

Advised that a conscientious care dwell on all 
our minds, not only to be just in our trade and 
dealing, neither deceiving the buyer in what we 
sell, nor falsifying the balances ; but that we keep 
to our promises, and pay our debts in due time ; 
not exceeding our circumstances or reasonable ex- 
pectations in our way of living, nor engaging in 
hazardous things more out of vanity than necessi- 
ty. And it is our advice, when any professing 
truth finds himself not able to comply with his 
contracts, that he call his creditors, and declare his 
condition in time, and by shewing the honesty of 
his intentions, clear the society from any scandal- 
ous imputations ; and where any so circumstanced 
refuses to do so, let him be duly censured. And, 
on the other hand, we are to remind you to take 
heed, and beware of covetousness ; this grand 
enemy of the love and faith of Jesus being too apt 
to prevail in this time and place of outward tran- 



TRADE. 145 

quillity, wherein we are a people signally blessed of 
God. 1737. 

It is the sense and judgment of this meeting, that 
no persons who shall fail of paying their just debts 
ought to be admitted to act in meetings for 
business, or join with friends in collecting for 
the poor and the service of the church, until they 
have made satisfaction to the monthly- meeting they 
belong to, and done what is in their power to take 
off the reproach they have, by their imprudent 
conduct, brought on our Christian principle. 
1737. 

We are also engaged to caution every individ- 
ual against imprudently entering into joint secu- 
rities with others ; for by these practices, many 
innocent wives and children have been inevitably 
and unexpectedly involved in ruinous and deplor- 
able circumstances ; and exhort them to consider 
well the ground on which they become endorsers, 
or solicit endorsements from others. And the 
practice which has been unhappily prevalent of 
raising and circulating a kind of paper credit, with 
endorsements to give it an appearance of value 
without any intrinsic reality, we entreat every 
member of our society to avoid and discourage. 
We also earnestly desire friends to keep strictly 
on their guard, that none through any specious 
pretences of rendering acts of friendship to others 
with safety to themselves, may risk their own 
peace and reputation, and the security of their 
families ; in order hereunto, we recommmend the 
salutary advice of the wise man, to their especial 
notice and regard. " Be not thou one of them 
21 



146 TRADE. 

that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for 
debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he 
take away the bed from under thee ?" Prov. xxii. 
26, 27. 

It is earnestly recommended, that friends fre- 
quently inspect the state of their affairs, and fre- 
quently settle their accounts ; and when any find 
themselves unable, or have not more than sufficient 
to pay their just debts, that they immediately dis- 
close their circumstances to some judicious friends, 
or principal creditors, and take their advice how to 
act, and be particularly careful not to make distinc- 
tions between their just debts, by paying one in 
preference to another, but to pay them equally in 
justice and equity, whether arising from endorse- 
ment or otherwise. 

And if any of our members become so incautious 
and inattentive to the inspection and settlement of 
their affairs, so as to contract debts, which it shall 
afterwards appear they were unable to pay at the 
time they so contracted, they are to be considered 
as disorderly walkers, and dealt with accordingly. 



( 147 ) 



WAR. 



We have as a people looked upon ourselves, 
as well as the primitive Christians, to be included 
in the notable prophecy, Isai. ii. 4, " They shall 
beat their swords into ploughshares, and their 
spears into pruning-hooks, and learn war no 
more ;" agreeable to the doctrine of our blessed 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and his apostles 
(to which our ancient friends abundantly bore tes- 
timony, both in doctrine and practice, and suffered 
deeply for, confirmed and ratified by several of 
our yearly-meetings, particularly in the years 1693 
and 1730, by their express declarations and testi- 
monies against carrying guns, for defending our 
ships, persons, and goods) and being under many 
strong engagements to observe the same, from the 
particular care of Providence over such as have 
been faithful to this our testimony, particularly 
those of our friends in Pennsylvania ; neverthe- 
less some, professing to be of our society, have 
slighted and neglected this our ancient and Chris- 
tian testimony, to that degree as to be concerned 
in privateering, or as owners of ships going as 
letters of marque, which is a flagrant and lamenta- 
ble departure from our peaceable principle, which 



148 WAE. 

hath always been to confide in the protection and 
Providence of Almighty God, and not in weapons 
of war ; which practice of theirs may be attended 
with injustice, barbarity and bloodshed. 

This meeting having taken this sorrowful and 
afflicting case, and breach of our ancient testimo- 
ny, into our serious consideration, have thought it 
our incumbent duty to bear our testimony against 
such practices ; and it is the unanimous sense of 
this meeting, that all quarterly and monthly-meet- 
ings ought speedily to deal with every person 
found in the practice of such things, in the spirit 
of truth and love, in order to bring them to a sense 
of their error, and to reclaim them from it ; which 
if they cannot do, then to testify against them, and 
let them know we have no unity or fellowship with 
them. 1744. 

We are sorrowfully affected, by the answers to 
the queries, that some friends have failed in the 
maintainance of our Christian testimony against 
wars and fighting, by joining with others to hire 
substitutes, and by the payment of money to ex- 
empt themselves from personal service, in the mi- 
litia ; a practice inconsistent with the testimony 
to the reign of the Prince of Peace our ancients 
received, and were concerned to maintain through 
cruel sufferings, and which the faithful in this day 
dare not shrink from : Which defection from our 
Christian testimony and general practice having 
been matter of sorrow to this meeting, we are 
concerned strongly to advise against, and that 
friends every where stand faithful and single in 
their dependence on the Lord for preservation, 



WAR. 149 

who alone is forever able to keep in perfect safety. 
And if suffering be the lot which doth result from 
such obedience to the divine requiring, such will, as 
they abide in the simplicity and innocence of truth, 
reap the fruits of peace in their own bosom. Let 
therefore the care of friends, in their several month- 
ly-meetings, be exerted to prevent any contribu- 
tions for hiring substitutes, or other methods of ex- 
empting themselves from the militia, inconsistent 
with our well-known testimony. 1760. 

It is our sense and judgment, that we cannot, 
consistent with our well-known principles, actively 
pay any rate or assessment on any town or class of 
men, which may be imposed for not raising the 
quotas or number assigned them to raise for any 
military purpose ; whether it be as a fine for neglect, 
or an equivalent for such quotas or detachment ; 
nor any rates or assessments made for the advan- 
cing of the hire or enlisting-money of volunteers, or 
which may be expressly therein ordered to be given 
or paid to military men. 1762. 

We advise that all friends carefully avoid censu- 
ring or judging each other, in respect to the pay- 
ment or non-payment of such taxes, a part whereof 
goes to the support of war, and a part for civil 
government. 

And it is recommended to friends every where, to 
take into their serious consideration the inconsisten- 
cy of any under our profession, suffering their tempo- 
ral interest to induce them in any manner to contrib- 
ute to the purposes of war. 

It is the concern of this meeting, to recommend 
to the several monthly-meetings, that they, con- 



150 WAR. 

sistent with our ancient testimony, refuse the pay- 
ment of all taxes, expressly or specially for the sup- 
port of war, whether called for in money, provisions 
or otherwise ; and that accounts of distraints for 
such taxes be sent up ; and that such friends as 
do actively pay such taxes be dealt with as dis- 
orderly walkers. We also desire, that all friends 
carefully avoid discouraging a tender scruple, which 
may arise in the minds of our brethren, respecting 
the payment of such taxes, a part whereof is evi- 
dently for the support of war; and that all be 
careful to manifest, by a steady consistent conduct, 
that they singly aim to experience an advancement 
in the truth. 1781. 

It is our sense and judgment, that it will not be 
consistent with our testimony against war, for any 
of our members to receive pensions from govern- 
ment, for military services performed before they be- 
came members, though reduced to necessitous cir- 
cumstances ; but that this necessity should be 
relieved by monthly and quarterly-meetings, and 
thereby preserve our religious testimony against the 
anti-christian practice of war, and manifest their 
sympathy for their brethren, by contributing to their 
comfortable support. 1818. 



( 151 ) 



WOMEN'S MEETINGS. 



Our women's meetings being set up and ap- 
proved in the love of God, and by his wisdom and 
power ; and being of manifest service, and helpful 
in the church ; it is the earnest desire and advice 
of this meeting, that they may be upheld and en- 
couraged. 1707. 

And in order that the service of women's meet- 
ings may be the more extensive, it is recommend- 
ed that each monthly-meeting of women friends 
depute representatives to attend the service of 
their quarterly-meetings ; and each quarterly-meet- 
ing depute representatives to the yearly-meet- 
ing. 

That they proceed in answering the queries, 
appointing all the proper officers, and conducting 
the business necessary to their meetings, as the 
men's meetings are advised, under queries, month- 
ly-meetings, quarterly-meetings, and yearly-meet- 
ings. 

In regard to the matter of men and women's 
meetings being united in disowning and receiving 
members, it is agreed, when any person requests 
the care of friends, and when any friend is taken 



152 WOMEN'S MEETINGS. 

under dealing in any monthly-meeting, such meet- 
ing, whether men's or women's, acquaint the other 
thereof, in order for their uniting their sympathy, 
and help, if they think it best ; and when the 
meeting to whom application is made, or by whom 
the friend may be under dealing, is about to re- 
ceive, restore or disown the person under care, 
that both meetings be acquainted therewith, and 
their concurrence or unity manifested before the 
conclusion be entered ; and when the approbation 
of both men and women be obtained, the same 
be entered on the minutes of each meeting. 

And it is advised, that men and women be at- 
tentive and ready in their monthly and quarterly- 
meetings to unite their assistance to each other, 
when it appears useful and best, whether expressly 
desired or not ; and that testimonies of denial be 
read, approved and minuted, in both meetings, 
and then be signed by the clerk of the men's meet- 
ing, if respecting a man, and if a woman, by the 
clerk of the women's meeting. 



( 168 ) 
YEARLY-MEETING. 



The good and blessed intent and end of this and 
all our assemblies is, with the Lord's assistance, 
for his honor in the promoting and maintaining 
our Christian society and religion, in life and prac- 
tice, in all the parts and branches thereof. 1695. 

It is the fervent desire of this meeting, that the 
business and concerns thereof be solidly, in the 
fear of God, managed and carried on, without 
contention or striving ; and with as few words, 
and in as pertinent expressions to the matter in 
hand, as may be, for expediting the affairs thereof 
without loss of time, or any ways disordering the 
meeting ; but one at a time speaking, and stand- 
ing up, that all things may be done decently, and 
in good order. 1710. 

That the quarterly-meetings be careful annually 
to depute such friends to attend the service of the 
yearly-meeting, as are men fearing God, of good 
conversation, weighty spirits, prudent and sincere, 
well acquainted with the affairs of truth, and dili- 
gent attenders of meetings for discipline at home ; 
whose practice and conversation are answerable to 
the testimony they profess to bear ; men known 
to be faithful and conscientious. 1714, 1733. 

Advised that no representatives withdraw from 
the meeting before it ends, without leave first re- 
quested and granted, that the service of the meet- 
ing may not be neglected. 1709. 
22 



154 YEARLY MEETING. 

It behooveth us, in all such our assemblies, to 
have our minds seasoned with a sense of the 
weight of the work we are engaged in, and to ex- 
ert ourselves with a holy zeal for the cause of 
God, and the promotion of his truth ; carefully 
watching against an exalted spirit, which would 
strive for mastery and dominion, laboring in love 
and meekness of wisdom to be helpful one un- 
to another, that " Nothing may be done through 
strife or vain glory ; but, in lowliness of mind, let 
each esteem other better than themselves." Phil, 
ii. 3. 1747. 

It is agreed, that the Yearly-Meeting for New- 
England be held on Rhode-Island, beginning with 
a meeting of ministers and elders, at the 9th hour 
on seventh-day after the second sixth-day in the 
sixth month, at Newport ; that the meetings for 
worship on first-day, begin at the 10th hour in the 
morning and the 4th hour in the afternoon, both 
at Portsmouth and Newport ; and that the meet- 
ing for church discipline begin at the 9th hour on 
second-day morning, at Newport. And that the 
former clerk, or in his absence the clerk of the 
meeting for sufferings, act as clerk at that sitting ; 
at the conclusion of which sitting the representa- 
tives are to meet and agree upon a clerk for the 
year, and report the same to the adjournment. 

Agreed, that all papers that come before this 
meeting, as well as quarterly and monthly-meet- 
ings, except such as are from immediate corres- 
pondents, be first examined by a committee to be 
from time to time appointed, before they be read 
in our meetings. 



( 1^5 ) 



YOUTH 



We earnestly beseech our friends, and especially 
the youth among us, to avoid all such conversation 
as may tend to draw out their minds into the 
foolish and wicked pastimes with which this age 
aboundeth (particularly balls, gaming-places, horse- 
races, and play-houses,) those nurseries of de- 
bauchery and wickedness, the burthen and grief 
of the sober part of other societies, as well as of 
our own ; practices wholly unbecoming a people 
under the Christian profession, contrary to the tenor 
of the doctrine of the gospel, and the examples 
of the best men in the earliest ages of the church. 
For as " evil communications corrupt good man- 
ners," so it is the duty of men professing religion, 
who live in this world in order to obtain a better, 
not only to " Shake their hands from holding of 
bribes, and stop their ears from hearing of blood," 
but also " to shut their eyes from seeing of evil." 
Isai. xxxiii. 15. 1739. 

And dearly beloved youth, in a humble sense 
of the continued visitations of the Father's love 
and experience of their blessed effects, we entreat 
you, by the mercies of God, receive its holy impres- 
sions, submit to its discipline ; this will preserve 
you from the deplorable effect of Satan's transforma- 
tions, inspire you with holy resolutions, and enable 



156 YOUTH. 

you to maintain them in all godly conversation, and 
purity of life and faith, adorning the doctrine of the 
gospel by a blameless demeanor. True peace will 
then flow as a river in your minds ; and the 
fruits of the tree of righteousness be brought 
forth to your inexpressible consolation in Christ, the 
revival of Zion's beauty, the rebuilding of her deso- 
lations ; so that by and through you, she may yet 
appear beautiful to the sincere-hearted, but to her 
enemies, terrible as an army with banners. 1751. 



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